Quim is six years old. He used to smile and really enjoyed playing with his brother Denís, but he has been in a terminal state for the last two weeks and the whole family pampers him as he is slowly passing away.

While I whisper some words to Quim to accompany his departure, I anticipate the void that his death will leave at home: soft mats, balls, toys, wheelchairs, standing supports and other orthopedic equipment, will leave room to emptiness. How much time, paperwork, money and energy does it take to get all these essential things for the well-being of our children, and how soon everything will disappear after their absence. The house will grow large and time will become very slow. How much does Quim´s fragile and full presence move and fill.

Esther and David accompany the destiny of their children: They accompany Quim who at the age of six is dying. They accompany Denís, who has to assimilate the cycle of life at only four years of age, and they accompany Irina who is growing in the womb of her mother, as a promise of the future and of all the paths that remain to be taken.

To sustain life and to sustain death means that everything fits and is nurtured on the same lap, everything has room in the heart of the family.

David, Esther, Quim and Denís always had the support of their grandparents who shared in the tasks of caring. As I take photos, I perceive the double sense of pain that they feel. As parents we just want to save our sons and daughters from any suffering, even more we want to avoid them the tremendous pain of having to face the death of their own children.

For the first time I don’t dare to ask to take a photo. That grandfather who is tall and strong, that grandfather that looks grounded like a mountain of rock, seems to be crumbling, and only our respect can be offered in the face of the pain of those who break. I have no doubt that he will compose himself, become even stronger, even more solid, but now the pain is too great.

In this room where we speak in a low voice today so as not to disturb Quim, laughter will break out again and there will be room for many celebrations. Death and life. Farewells and welcomes that follow each other, leaving our hearts flexible so that even more and more love can fit in.

Note: Quim died three days after taking these photos. His family said goodbye to him at home and in his garden they planted an olive tree over his ashes. The memory of Quim will live on.