The past year for them could only be described by most as “horrific.”
Jeff has suffered three times from cancer. He had just been declared “completely free of cancer” for the second time last spring. He then went in for routine check this summer at which time they discovered a third form of cancer had taken hold in his body.
I shot this family session for them in October. At this time Jeff was almost blind from the treatments he had been going through but hopes were high that the treatments would be effective. The shoot was emotionally draining – not only because of the sadness I personally was feeling for what their family was going through...but also because it was so amazing to see that this family, who had suffered so much, could still have fun together and find joy in the little things.
Adrienne and Jeff were informed in December that his cancer is terminal. It still makes my heart stop to think, read or say that word. All treatments have stopped and they are now trying to live life to the fullest for the amount of time Jeff has left here on this earth.
Would you mind stopping by Adrienne’s blog to leave a kind word or note of encouragement for her today? I cannot even imagine how stressful this has all been for them and yet all I hear Adrienne say is how good God has been. She is absolutely a spirit-filled, wonderful, lovely person and it breaks my heart that her family is going through this. I know that your words of encouragement would mean the world to her.
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49 comments:
I am glad you could capture moments of them together. I regret not having a lot of photos of my father
Angie, Thank you so much for posting this! I have followed her blog since you shared their pictures this fall. It is so heartbreaking and having my own husband deal with cancer their story hits home.
So glad you captured such special moments for them! As a photographer, capturing moments like these is what it is all about.
What a beautiful memory... something to be treasured for a very long time. But not forever... THAT is reserved for Heaven. And they will meet again.. there... together forever...
I totally didn't expect this; I absolutely love it. I just keep finding more and more reasons to heart I Heart Faces....
I've been thinking about them over the past week as their names are on my prayer list and found that I had bookmarked Adrienne's blog, so I stopped over there and read of their latest update. It's a blessing to see that you've mentioned them again here as prayers are what will carry their family through in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
I read on her blog that Jeff has a caringbridge site, but I can't find it without his last name. If you could share that I'd appreciate it. I couldn't leave a message on her blog.
-Natalie Skala
Wow, bless their hearts. We'll keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
I follow her blog "Grace for the Journey" and didn't realize she had this other site.
She sure has an amazing faith and attitude. I want to be like her when I grow up!
Wow! My heart goes out to this family. Cancer is a scary thing that I have witnessed several people I care about go through. I pray that this family has many happy moments together in his remaining time. Thank you for sharing this picture and their story. God bless them and you.
I've thought about them a lot since you first shared their photos. I love that you chose this photo as they seem to epitomize the word family. I'll pray for them that the time they have together will be the best of their lives!
Angie, I wish there were enough words to tell you how special these photos are to me and to both our families. Your timing was perfect--a total "God thing." A simple "thank you" seems so inadequate.
Sounds like you are having a lot of "God Thing" moments:-) A beautiful family and a beautiful thing you did for them!
Beautiful photo of a beautiful family. My thoughts go out to them.
My heart aches for them and I will pray for them!
Love the picture! I really wasn't copying you when I put my family picture up this week. :)
It makes me so sad. She is such a beautiful person. It hurts to think of it. I pray for them so often.
What an amazing family they must be. This picture is beautiful as is their love for each other-you can see it.
Beautiful and so touching. Lovely capture of their family enjoying one another.
i just love fun family pics like this. amazing color!
Such a meaningful photo and heart touching story behind it. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Looks like they're having fun together! Great capture and colors.
What a lovely capture of a precious moment!
Tears in my eyes. The back story of the events surrounding this beautiful photo make it that much more precious. My prayers to them to trust God and his decisions. May they find strength in each other and in Him
Oh my! That's heartbreaking. I'm sure they are so thankful you captured these images of their family. His children will treasure them.
It took me a little while to find it in my uber-messy inbox Natalie, but here is their Caring Bridge website:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/drjeff
I know they would love to see kind thoughts and prayers there as well.
love all the autumn colors and what a great looking family
How my heart aches for this family. These pictures will be a priceless memory for them in the days ahead, as they look back on the joy and happiness they enjoyed that day together. The autumnal colors are magnificent and the action of the children makes me want to join in the fun!
to me the best pictures are those that have a story behind them. therefore, this picture is one of the best! thank you for taking and sharing it and love and prayers to your friend and her family.
What a wonderful moment to capture! I'm sure they will treasure it.
What a sweet shot, and a great memory!
What a beautiful photo of a beautiful family. My heart hurts for what they are going through.
My prayer is that if i ever go through something like that i'm still able to say like your friend Adrienne that God is good.
What a beautiful photo! They will remember this day for sure! I pray for them and all the families who have been through so much because of this disease!
What a beautiful moment captured!! I know what you mean about the emotions! I get myself so invested in my clients that I feel everything they feel during a shoot! My husband cannot understand why I am so emotional but I have to remind him, that is just who I am!
How heartbreaking. I can't even imagine what they must be going through. They'll be in my prayers for sure.
My heart breaks for them! I'll keep them in my prayers too!
THey have been added to my prayer journal...You are so amazing to capture this time!
That is such a devastating story :(
I am so glad you were able to capture this beautiful memory for this family. Prayers are being sent their way.
What a tribute to your friends...cancer is
I have no word for it. But, I can only cling to the hope that we have, that they have, for the future. And even though a stranger, to smile through tears.
This is an absolutely beautiful picture, and only more beautiful because of the story behind it -- I am heading over there now, and will keep them in my prayers!!!
What a great photo! The colors ARE very nice and brilliant too.
That photo is an absolute treasure!
gorgeous
Beautiful photo...such a touching, but sad story! My prayers go out to this family! Love the photo...I want seasons...it adds such dimension to the photos that can be taken throughout the year. None of that in Florida...it's always the same background.
what a lovely family photo :)
u may view mine here
I am so sad for the children :( I am sure you captured lots of images they will treasure forever.
It's amazing that a photo that is breathtaking can also evoke such emotions of sadness and concern!
Wow, just wow! I lost my mom to cancer 10 years ago. She was my motivation to start my 365 project this year.
At first the photo just hit me with so much beautiful color and I loved it right away. Now after reading the story behind it breaks my heart. I think you did a great job on their photo. One that they will remember forever and ever, I am sure.
Gorgeous photo! I'm glad that they will have this to treasure always! Praying for a miracle. God still does those, ya know!
What a treasure! This photo represents so much happiness, love and faith--you captured it so beautifully. I'm sure these moments are and will continue to be, priceless. Thank you for introducing us to such a lovely family.
I emailed you yesterday regarding getting my sons and newborns pictures taken. I decided to take a look at your blog today and ran across this photo. Dr. Zwart was actually one of the doctors that I saw during my pregnancy with my son! I saw the pictures on his caringbridge site and they are gorgeous! I hope the best for Dr. Zwart and his family! He was a stepping stone to bringing my beautiful baby boy into the world for me!
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