Combining Joy and Tears

I woke this morning after a wonderful evening with my daughter and her friends here in lovely San Luis Obispo.  My flight in a bit silly with delays but while waiting in LA a beautiful young mom asked why I was sewing little hearts so I told her about Soul and of course she is from Seattle, had brain cancer at 15, was treated at Children’s, is participating in the Run of Hope that we send our photographers to and I got to tell her about what we do.  Her darling 4 year old listening and this woman explained that having kids was one things the doctors doubted because of all the chemo, a blessing to meet her and the unexpected daughter of hers.

Before I left Megan had booked Leo to do a shoot for a new family, Kevin is going to do a shoot for us this weekend and while on the flight an emergency request at Children’s came in and Amanda was in to volunteer and offered to head out for this family.  Its been incredibly busy and I am so thankful that Megan and Lu have the office responding smoothly with many very well trained volunteers making it all happen with grace and skill.  Our photographers knocking me out with their beautiful photos.

For me the tears come as I could not get my computer to open to the internet last night and when I finally worked it out this morning there is a request from last night from our dear friends the Calhouns hoping I would be able to go to Children’s for a few photos of Claire as things have taken a harsh turn.  I now wait the minutes for Megan to arrive at the office to start looking for someone who can hopefully arrive in time to get some more beautiful images for this family.  I am embracing this time with my daughter, joyfully spending time with her but of course its difficult knowing that friends are going through such a hard time.  I post today a photo from Claire’s visit to my studio years ago when she surprised us all by taking her first steps, steps that doctors thought would never happen.  She is pictured with her brother who shared his bone marrow with this champ of a little sister.  Right now Claire’s mom and brothers have influenza so badly that they are at home and can’t visit the hospital while Claire’s dad shepherds her through these days.  It is my hope that a Soul photographer is ready and willing and that time plays out so that we can give them more images of one stunning little girl.

We also received releases for 2 more beautiful Soul children, Logan who was photographed by Clane and Jordynn who was captured by Michelle.  Honestly these photos make me so proud once again of the talent and heart that is working with us.  They open today’s blog and will soon be in our gallery by the grace of our web designer Andrew Hamada, our writer friend Fred Moody and office volunteer staff especially Nick Parker who has been working to get all the entries current.

I send all my love and healing hopes to Seattle today while I celebrate Mac’s accomplishments at Culinary School and enjoy her cat and her lovely friends, in love and peace, Lynette