I have gone back and forth as to whether or not I can write about this session, whether or not it’s my place, whether or not I can do justice to their story. But as you all know, I have a complete and utter inability to let images speak for themselves, and so I’ll try to convey what I am feeling without too much stumbling.
I had the honor of meeting Eric & Lissa through Eric’s sister Megan, one of my favorite clients. Megan wanted to do something special for them to celebrate the joyous occasion of the birth of their child, yet not trivialize the grief, sadness and loss they experienced when their lovely, beautiful, spirited daughter, Cadence, passed away just before she turned two. And so somehow, she seemed to think I could keep it together for this task. And I was thrilled and humbled and daunted by the request.
It is times like this, especially when I am out of sorts about the mundane matters of my own life, that I feel eternally and completely grateful (and again humbled) that this is my profession and that I can capture brief, fleeting moments of incredibly important times. It is times like this that I say a silent (and not so silent) “thank you” that I am no longer 1 of 350,000 employees, and that I am not “not working” and that I am able to meet people every day who impact who I am, at my core. And so it is these people, and this work, that make me a better person.
So Lissa, Eric, Baby Jackson, Angel Cadence, Megan, Jared and your entire family — a selfish thank you for the opportunity.
Baby Jackson is here and he is perfect. And Lissa & Eric are able, and allowed, to experience that perfection as a family and to love him with all their being and their hearts. And they know that they do not have to give up any of the love they will always have for Cadence, nor do they have to set aside any of her memories, because their hearts now have room for two.
I cannot say with enough conviction about how amazed I am of the power of the human spirit. And I’ll leave it at that.
Again, thank you for allowing me to capture your life.
Kristina, I just had to come leave a comment … these photos are just breathtaking, and the story you share to go with them makes them even more special. What a wonderful job you did; you should be very proud of your work, and I am sure that baby Jackson’s family will always treasure these moments captured on film.
Kristina, these images are absolutely beautiful and I know sweet Jackson has a beautiful little angel watching over him.
These images are gorgeous, Kristina, as is the family. Their story – and the knowledge that Cadence is watching over all of them – completely touches my heart.
Oh Kristina this is absolutely beautiful. And your writeup is beautiful as well. What gorgeous images and what a special amazing family. Jackson will certainly have a very special guardian angel with him as he grows!!
Oh man – this touches my heart. I’m here in tears looking at this beautiful baby boy and all the love that his family has for him and his big sister. You’ve captured such a beautiful part of their life – congrats to this family and all the best to you all.
He is perfect. You captured him wonderfully. What a gorgeous, incredible family. I know this little guy will be much loved!
Such a sad story. I am so sorry for their loss. The images you got are just wonderful. Great work!