While we were in the labor and delivery waiting room of St. Luke’s hospital in early October, waiting for the arrival of our granddaughter, we walked the halls and admired the incredible work of professional photographer, Brianna Chaves of BC Photography.
And while we were in the main newborn waiting room, we learned that there is another waiting room—the neonatal intensive care waiting room for families whose loved one has given or is giving birth to a significantly premature baby.
The cool thing about the hallway leading to that special waiting room is that it’s lined with photographs of current-day children—ranging in age from five to twelve—who are holding pictures of themselves as premies. The purpose is to provide upliftment and give hope to those in the special area.
The thoughtfulness of each photo made me cry—happy tears.
When was the last time you cried tears of joy?
Tuesdays with Laurie 
How very touching. I cry tears of joy just about every day. Watching my puppy play makes me so happy, tears just fall out of my eyes. Brianna Chaves is an excellent photographer.
Darlene — I cry over puppies too (and kittens, and babies in general – human or otherwise) 🙂
Excellent pictures. One of my goddaughter was also born prematurely and tiny. Thinking about her and how far she’s come brings tears to my eyes. Thanks, Laurie.
Olga — I’m so happy to know that your goddaughter has come so far. Now I’m crying, too 🙂
How beautiful and uplifting is that?
I cried for joy when my husband was given the all clear after his cancer treatment back in July 2017.
Fatima — yes, Yes, YES! I remember when you shared that joyful news 🙂
How Blessed!
America On Coffee — Yes, indeed 🙂
I never used to cry much until I became a mother. That seems to pop the cap off the well of tears in many of us. My daughter leaves tomorrow for a trip to Europe. I know I will cry to see my adult daughter take off so confidently on a new adventure.
Arlene — Ohhhhhh, your daughter’s going to have a wonderful time. And I bet she’ll send lots and lots of photos via email and text messages (but I’d cry toooooo) 🙂
Wonderful idea.
Michael — As a photographer yourself, you’re especially aware of the positive emotional impact that photographs can have on people 🙂
I love the idea of that hallway of photos. Seeing that must give parents some hope.
I cry at anything–happy tears, sad tears. . . 🙂
Merril — Like you, I cry at the drop of a hat (happy, sad, and everything in-between).
Yes! What a great hallway idea for those going through this crisis. Thanks for sharing, glad to know this type of thoughtful caring is out there.
When did I last shed happy tears?? I guess I was blinking them back as we happily drove 2 hours to be present for the birth of our fifth grandson recently as well. 🙂 He was a surprise baby for us … not so much for the parents, who never let us know what they were thinking about “should we go for a third?” But this past Easter they had bought shirts for the two older boys, and when we arrived Easter morning to spend the day with them we saw: one shirt that said “Professional big brother” (for the oldest boy) and I thought, yes, that fits him; and then saw “Professional big brother in training” (for the second oldest boy). It took me 30 seconds to catch on. 🙂 That was a fun surprise!
Melodie — Oh. My. GOSH! How COOL is that?! Your comment just brought me to happy tears, too 🙂
What a wonderful testament to the human spirit.
Craig — Because you live in Boise, you and yours have probably visited St. Luke’s Hospital. I don’t know if you’ve ever had need to be on the 2nd floor (labor and delivery), but if you haven’t already seen that particular hallway, the next time you’re there, give it a stroll. It is incredibly uplifting! 🙂
I’m sure it is, and I’ve never been in that part of the hospital.
A good movie with a happy ending always chokes me up. I’m also embarrassed to admit that certain major golf tournaments where an underdog or journeyman player comes out of nowhere to be the heavy favorites is also tear-jerking … especially when the player’s wife and/or kids rush out onto the 18th green to congratulate him.
Chris
Chris — I’ve never been to a golf tournament, but because I cry at rodeos (even tractor pulls at county fairs), I suspect I’d cry for the scene you described at a golf tournament too 🙂
Rodeos?? That’s a new one on me. 🙂
Chris — Yes. And the circus. I just ball my eyes out.
And here I thought golf was a strange reason to cry. 🙂 You topped me with the circus and rodeos. 🙂
I am always surprised when tears fall, often remembering the love of my late husband.
LakeAfton — I can well imagine that happy tears would fall at the remembrance of someone you cherished.
Beautiful photos!! Sadly, the last thing that brought me tears were the pictures and stories of the 11 people killed at the Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
In general, I find I have a well of tears at the ready for anything from the sappy movie, watching children play, a memory of someone in our family no longer with us, a beautiful moment with friends where laughter turns to tears.Many of us are just sensates.
Audrey — Yes. Yes. From one sensate to another. The deaths from the hate crime at the Synagogue in Pittsburgh. My heart breaks.
I dont cry easily, unless it’s a story about an animal that gets hurt, then I become Niagara Falls. There is usually at least one episode of laughing till we cry when my kids and I are together.
Carol — I can oh-so relate with crying if there’s an animal (child or elderly person) who’s been hurt. I become a puddle.
What an inspiring photo gallery for those facing such challenges Laurie. Wow! I am not sure of my last happy tears which, for me, are usually tears of relief mixed with joy. I more often give a hoop and haller, even if it means leaving the space to do so. A time that stands out where that was not possible was when my son was born and my dad came to the hospital to see me. He wasn’t a huggy person. He is jovial and would sort of play wrestle with us but an actual hug was for serious matters of instilling love to the person in his arms. It didn’t happen very often. Well, here I was, this 19 year old new single mom and he gave me this great big bear hug. It was then that I fully realized the enormity of the task ahead of me. That was 40 years ago this spring and I still get tears in my eyes of gratitude for how my dad let me know that he was on my side, that he believed in me and that he was there for me… and lucky me, he still is.
Terrill — Your wonderful, heartfelt comment has me blubbering like a baby. Thank you!
Thank you for posting the photos in the hallway of hope. They make me cry happy tears when I remember Ian’s miracle birth 11 years ago. Nurses in the neonatal unit encouraged us by saying, “He’s a fighter. He’ll make it” when what I saw registered otherwise. My students gave me the biggest lift when I confessed my fears and one or two of them said to me, “I’ve seen babies like this, and you’ll be surprised that he’ll thrive some day.”
I did blog about it, a post you read and responded too. Ian is now a robust young whippersnapper. Thank you again for this beautiful post, the photos and the sentiment. I am thankful Luna Bleue arrived fully functional. What a blessing!
Marian — I do, indeed, remember your post about Ian’s miracle birth. You have first-hand knowledge about how uplifting and encouraging those wonderful photos along that hallway can be 🙂
Wonderful idea and photographs. I am afraid that this week all my tears are for the sorrow and loss at the hands of hate….Healing meditation this afternoon and candlelight vigil tonight.
It was drilled into me never to cry, especially not it public.
Patricia — My tears are joined with yours for the sorrow and loss at the hands of hate this week.
Thank you for sharing this, Laurie–so uplifting and caring. It almost made me cry.
Leanne — I’m so glad this post almost made you cry happy tears 🙂
Wow! Reblogging immediatedly to sister site “Timeless Wisdoms”
Ana — Thank you so much! 🙂
😘😘😘
Crying happy tears or sad tears, they are an expression of how we feel and for me are a necessity in my life!
Joan — yes, Yes, YES indeed 🙂
Great post!
KKessler — I’m glad this post resonated with you 🙂
It did!
I tend to get teary when I’m moved, (bagpipe music, for some reason does it every time) but specifically last night when I watched Christopher Robin with Ewan McGregor as Christopher. There’s one scene where Christopher, all grown up and estranged from the magic of the Hundred Acre Wood and Pooh, finally reconnects with the little hunny-loving bear and hugs him really tight like a child would hug their favourite soft and fluffy stuffed friend when their heart hurt. I got all teary, right there. 😀
Widdershins — Okay. Now I’ve GOT to go to the theater and see the movie! 🙂
It’s not necessarily a ‘going to the theater’ movie, but definitely one to be watched on a rainy evening … with a hot chocolate perhaps. 😀
What wonderful photos and I can only imagine the hope they bring to others! I shed happy tears fairly easily, but mostly connected to my grandchildren, I think. They just amuse me without even trying. 🙂 What a happy post, Laurie!
Debra — I’m so glad this post resonated with you. Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Oh wow that’s such a unique and uplifting way to reassure the families haha and congrats on the birth of your granddaughter!!! =D
Oscar — Thank you 🙂
That’s a great question – but I’m not sure! 😉 … but it happens. 🙂
aFrankAngle — Just a bit of food for thought. Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Laurie, what a sweet, inspiring, and loving post that made me smile! I cried happy tears on Saturday afternoon, at my book launch, which helped the sad tears I cried when I learned about the synagogue shooting, on Saturday evening. Life is always filled with joyful and devastating moments that teach us thoughtful and unthinkable lessons.
Sheila — I resonate with your wise observation: “Life is always filled with joyful and devastating moments that teach us thoughtful and unthinkable lessons.”
I do apologise I’m a little late . The other day I saw a King Charles spaniel and smiled with urtter joy . I realised it’s time to let my dear departed Oscar go and have a new boy in my life …it’s been three whole months since loosing him and we have been so lonely . Both Colin and myself need to laugh again …puppies are such funny little chaps don’t you think .
Cherryx
Cherry — Your timing is always perfect. As is you and Colin’s decision to “laugh again” after the loss of dear Oscar. You’re right—a puppy is just the ticket!
I had a happy tear or two at my brother’s wedding a month ago. I have also lost several good supportive friends this year, men who were living life to the full and were very encouraging and caring, I miss them and it just reminds me to live every day to the max like they did.
Charlotte — You are absolutely right. We have but this moment.
That’s beautiful Laurie 🙂
DG Kaye — Thank you 🙂
🙂
What an uplifting photo gallery!
Congratulations on the birth of your new granddaughter! It is the time when happy tears are flowing 🙂
Inese — I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Love this!
Twindollicious — I’m glad this post resonated with you 🙂
I spent some time volunteering in maternity at a hospital and those photos are some happy tears. Thanks for sharing.
Mika — I’m so glad you stopped by. Thank you.
Laurie, nothing can match the reason for your own tears of joy as related in this beautiful post, but I’ll say when I got good news on my 88 year old father’s condition last week. The big mass in his stomach turned out to be scar tissue.
Sam — I’m thrilled about your father’s good news. Woohoo!