Wasn’t today a gorgeous day? Bright and warm(er) and perfect!
Today was made even more perfect by these little guys, Aiden and Brandon. Brandon has a cancerous tumor in his liver, and he’s halfway through his chemo treatments (Go B!). His mommy and I had to strategically plan today’s session…it needed to be on one of his good days (usually just before the next round starts) and early enough to make sure we catch him with a head full of hair.
Plus, the weather needed to cooperate.
Now you see why today’s sunshine meant to much!
Aiden and Brandon are two babies that personify the phrase ‘search and destroy’. I personally witnessed their divide and conquer technique, in which Brandon distracts mommy with a cute face or a snuggle, and Aiden crawls to the shelves (or the changing table, or the other room) and begins to quickly rearrange things. They also managed to achieve the number one rule of portrait day…resist the morning nap!
Surprisingly, they held up well and we have some precious images for their dear parents…a way to always remember this time in their lives. Chaotic, stressful, meaningful. Every day is precious.
We periodically hear about these special families, and try to work with as many as time allows. It’s my personal belief that these families are as strapped, emotionally and financially, as they will ever be…and the last thing they have the time (or money) for is pictures. However, I also believe that this the time to have pictures taken. This is the time, to catch the baby battling cancer on his good day, before his next round, while he’s at home, in his nursery. Happy and chubby and enjoying life with his twin.
So the next time you hear about a family that touches your heart, make sure and let me know!
This dear family keeps an online blog to help their family and friends stay abreast of Brandon’s condition (which is also how I found them). Can you bookmark their page and send prayers, post well wishes, and just let them know they aren’t alone? Brandon’s next round of chemo begins on Thursday.
6 Comments
Wow. This brings tears to my eyes… Photos my sister never could have had on her own. I am blown away. i can’t wait to see more, You are so talented. Thank you for giving my sister, Brian, Aiden and Brandon a wonderful present-a day of memories caught forever!
Erin O.
Beautiful babies!! Reminds me of when my twin nephews were babies. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Susan
I just read your entire blog – all the way back to the beginning. Well, it actually took a few days but I am hooked. I love your work and may be giving you a call.
I have a friend who just gave birth to a baby who will be in the NICU for some time and I am forwarding the info on your charity work.
I wish I had a talent like yours to give back Jen! You rock girl!
I’m hoping to help with my writing, but that is so much more lame!
awe, Jen! I just saw one of the pics from this session on Melissa’s caring bridge page! I was so excited to see todays update. I can’t stop thinking about her and Brandon.
I wish I could be back home to help them out.
Ohh Jen!!! You write so beautifully and these pictures mean more to me than I will ever be able to put into words. Thank you again for your time and talent and capturing the loves of my life on film. You are simply amazing and I will never forget you donating your skills to us at during such a difficult time in our lives! You are an angel!
xoxo Melissa