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When Eric and I arrived in Texas, it just felt like home. But there was just something about Texas for the both of us?
Its extremely difficult to feel like anywhere is truly "home", with moving from one city, one state, or one country to another, and it can get pretty depressing if you don't make the effort to get out and meet the people in your new neighborhood. So it wasn't long before we started taking walks and meeting those to our left...
Our home was nestled on the back end of a cul de sac, with nothing but green pastures on one side of us and 2 amazing neighbors to our other. Directly next to us were Dean and JoAnn. This couple were newly married and our age. We spent countless evenings on their front driveway sipping on Arbor Mist and consuming mounds of Joann's amazing guacamole dip. Directly next to Dean and JoAnn were Tracy and John. Another newly married Army couple that transplanted from Kentucky. The three of us girls became fast friends, sharing lunch dates, movie dates, holidays and so much more over the 3 years of living side by side.
Eric and I were the first to move away as we left for Europe. Tracy and John followed about 4 years later, followed by Dean being PCS'ed to California while JoAnn stayed behind for the year. Now, all 3 of us live outside of Texas, but we have all remained close friends.
When Tracy first came to me with the news that she was pregnant I was so happy for her! It was to be her first child and everything went beautifully. Her pregnancy went flawless with only minor bouts with morning sickness and almost no unhealthy weight gain. She looked amazing!!! And she became my first ever maternity portrait session. We used the new studio in the house and we captured some beautiful shots. Neither of us would have known that only days later Tracy and Johns life would be forever changed.
I walked into the dining room one night later in the week to see ambulance lights flashing out front of Tracy & Johns house. My heart sunk to my toes. Being a nurse my instincts were to run over to her and see if I could help, but I knew that whatever was going on she was in good hands and on her way to get further help. Days went by without even a single soul coming or going from their home and no word on how she and the baby were doing. By Friday we had received the news, and it wasn't pretty.
At some point on Friday evening Tracy's cord prolapsed and by the time the ambulance arrived they had no vital signs on the fetus. You should be able to feel the heartbeat and blood flow through the cord, and there was none. The ambulance drove straight to BAMC where they were immediately re-routed to the next hospital... which was over 17 minutes away. To this day I still will NEVER understand why BAMC sent that ambulance away knowing that it had a patient who had zero vitals?
By the time they arrived at Wilford Hall over 22 minutes had been spent pumping fluids and Oxygen into Tracy in hopes to save her child. Rushed into an emergency C-section, everything else was a blur. It was a whole 2 days later until Tracy would learn the fate of her son. Now, left dealing with a child with Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy, and a bucket full of other health issues. Until that fateful night her son was 100% healthy.
She asked me to capture some newborn images of little man Jackson, and it was a tough one. Not because of any health difficulties, but because all I could think about was how only weeks ago she was so happy, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first born. Now... this. We both cried. We both hugged. We both were just so amazed at how quickly life can change.
Over these last 3 years I have watched Tracy become the SUPER MOM of children with disabilities. She read every article, book, health report she could on everything that pertained to little Jack. She worked with the Dr.'s on Jackson diet, helping him to get some relief from the daily seizures he suffers from. She developed a closet with moving lights and such to aid with Jackson's mobility. She hired a private nurse to assist and teach her all about Jackson's feeding tube and medications. She became Jackson's personal physician and she became very very good at it.
A year ago Tracy and John gave Jackson a baby sister named Sarah. When they brought Sarah home she said that the changes in Jackson were amazing! He would reach out to her, smile at her, make noises at her. They played together, laughed together and grew together. Sarah just celebrated her first birthday only weeks ago. How times flies! The family also moved back to their home town in Kentucky. Everything was wonderful and they were preparing for more summer activities with family and friends.... God had other plans.
July 1st, 2012. God decided that Jackson was needed more as an angel and brought him home. He passed away with his family at his side. This seizure being just too much for little man Jack to take. I read the news the next morning. I cried the rest of the afternoon.
No one ever knows why God does the things he does? Why he takes home the people that we love so very much? But me, I have my own opinion about this event. I think that God brought Sarah along just at the perfect time. I think that Jackson spent this last year talking to Sarah, preparing her for her role as the big sister. I think that Jackson waited until he was home. Home in Kentucky where his mommy and daddy would put down roots. Where other family could be nearby and be of support. I think that Jackson was tired, and he just wanted to make sure that everything here on earth was placed "just so" so when he took his last breath he did it right where he knew he would be safe forever.
Tomorrow morning I am making the 7 hour drive north to Kentucky. I am driving there to be with a dear friend who needs me right now. A dear friend who I can't wait to see. A dear friend who is stronger than I could ever be, but today, needs a shoulder and a hug.
RIP little man Jack. You are an amazing testament to love unconditional. You will be surely missed!!!
How time passes...
Before I even realized it, a year has almost past and I find myself looking towards the final stretch of our time here in Europe. Much has happened since I arrived, the best of which have been the friends I have made along the way and the memories I have helped create.
That has to be the largest thing I miss about my business as a whole, the memories that are made again and again after I first meet a couple. It starts with an engagement shoot, that turns into a wedding celebration, that develops into a maternity portrait, that begins a new life session. Its full circle, and its an amazing thing to be a part of!
When I first arrived in Germany I met a woman who has become a role model to me. She is a friend, a mentor, a mother, a wife. When we met, she was 5 months pregnant with her new son and begging me for maternity portraits. Just hours after the end of this session her water broke, and baby Anton arrived! It was a very exciting day that I still remember so vividly. Weeks later came Antons first photo shoot... and he was a trouper! With his huge, beautiful eyes. Thick head of hair and a fabulous attitude for such a little man.
Just weeks ago Kelly and 'Landos time here in Germany came to an end. And, although they are back in the states, I think about this amazing family everyday~ They touched me, and I will be forever amazed by the story that I tell again and again of how we became friends.
I miss you all so very much. And even though we spoke and saw one another so sporadically, I miss knowing that you were right there if I had a question or concern or just needed a friend.
I cant wait to come back to Texas and Im thrilled to know you are in SA!!! By the time I return I suspect I will be capturing another baby bump? :)
Before they left we all took one last stroll through the park out by the base and captured a few more memories. I cant believe how big little Anton is already. Tell him to slow down just a little, I want more memories to keep~
I miss you dear friends~
I can always say that any day I am busy taking pictures it is a good day. Today was one of those very good days!
9am on the nose, I was out the door and onto a small village just west of me where my friends Kelly and Orlando live. It was exciting, I was going to meet their new son Anton... who I have known from inside the belly from my first meeting with Kelly a few months back. You remember, the wonderful woman who yelled "Is that my photographer?" from across the hospital halls. From her amazing maternity shoot just 2 weeks ago. From the fact that her water broke just hours after we finished... Yes, I have some stories from this bunch already!
Its only been 2 short weeks, but the perfect time to meet this new little one and capture his first images. As I entered their home, the first thing I noticed was how amazing Kelly looked. I mean she was bright eyed, excited, and all ready to go... surely not what one would expect with a newborn in the house, with feedings and changings and sleepless nights. Not this woman... she simply looked wonderful. Next came daddy... looking just as excited, just as eager and surely not tired. I wondered just how this couple does it? Then, I met Anton... with his big beautiful eyes, with full head of hair, little chubby fingers and toes. Already moving like a little munchkin, lifting his head and very alert as he looked me and my camera over as to say, "I know you Ms. Lady". I was instantly smitten.
This had to be the most fun I have had in some time... as we all laughed at Antons little antics. At the way he watches you as you walk around the room. At the cute smile and puckered little mouth that mommy and daddy brag on claiming "that's just how he looked right when he arrived into this world." Right down to the cutest thing I have ever seen... to get little Anton to calm down, daddy reads to him... from what else? An automotive magazine!!! That little man quieted down and turned his head to his father and listened ever so intently. I see many nights in the garage fixing up classics and shining up chrome.
So I thank you both once again, for an amazingly fun experience. I love this little man... makes me want one of my own, if you can promise me my experience would be just as perfect as yours has been? :)
He is beautiful~
2 weeks ago, a mother to be walked through my front door and into our studio for what were some memorable maternity images... today she is the proud mother of her newborn son, born just 48 hours after our shoot! It was an amazing time that I wont soon forget.
This afternoon, another glowing mother to be walked into my life and allowed me to be a part of this very special moment. Lisa was radiant, as she walked up the driveway and right into my heart. With her quiet, but confident way, she let me know right up front that she was a little nervous... having her picture taken at such an intimate life experience. I was quick to assure her that she was in good hands, and that this moment is something that wont ever come again. So, relax, have fun, and most of all, believe that in this very moment you have never been more beautiful!!!
It took all of 12 frames ( I kid you not ) for this woman to move like a seasoned pro. There was no more fear, as she stepped into my lights and simply filled the room with love. This particular shoot was also fun because her husband Darrell was right there with a loving smile, a cute little wink every now and again, and always encouraging words for the mother of their first child (who they have decided to wait to find out the sex until the day of!!! ) How exciting!
Thank you for your trust. I know its not easy to get in front of the lens with a complete stranger and feel like home... but you did it. And, did it wonderfully! It was a pleasure~
Here is my amazing couple and ??? Cant wait to hear the big news and to take those newborn images as well!~
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