Connies love

a short while back i asked people to submit stories to me recommending families for photo shoots. Families that might not be thinking about having photos done, yet, families that would appreciate at this point in their lives. I thought i would get 5-10 submissions. I was wrong. I received lots of amazing stories making the choosing decision nearly impossible. I was and am speechless to the hearts of many of you, the kindness that exists in this community is overwhelming. I can only hope to raise a child that has such a thoughtful heart. To those of you that submitted, thank you. Most of all thank you for being such wonderful friends to others, they are lucky to have you in their lives fighting the fights right by their side.

Within the first 24 hours I received three stories all about the same family. Connie’s Family. The stories spoke of courage, bravery and most of all the power of love. Connie has been fighting cancer for 11 years now. A fight that has been never ending yet tackled head on, tackled by a fighter who was determined to be around when her first grand-daughter was born, a fighter who was in the delivery room when baby E. arrived, a fighter who took care of E. for her first year in place of a daycare, a fighter who has been an amazing mother, wife, grandmother (Nana), and friend. A fighter who hasn’t lost her laughter, her joy or her smile.

From one of the submissions:

“I have never met someone with a better outlook on life. Connie knows she is going to die, but I have never once seen her cry or be angry about it. When we are crying or feel down about the situation she is always there to tell us to “buck up because there are a lot worse things in life.” These pictures will be a reminder to Emersyn and Ashley that Connie loved and fought so hard for them. These pictures will help us explain to Emersyn how much her “Grammy” loved her and wanted so much to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman.”

Although the cancer is starting to show its face on the outside of Connies body, it will never, ever, take her spirit or her beauty. It will never take her love, it may, one day take her life, but never ever, her legacy.

Thank you connie. Thank you for teaching all of us what life is really about. Thank you for your strength and for letting me come into your home for these photos.

I entered your door one person, but left another.

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.
– Author Unknown

Nana and E love to play in Nana’s bed reading stories and watching baby einsteinNana’s jewelry is lots of fun too.Nana and baby E love to have craft time together!
two mothers and one very loved little girl.Connie and her sweet, loving husband. Long love at its finest.play time with Nana isn’t complete without a spin on the lazy susan and some lipstick.love lasts forever.