In my last post, I posted about all the GOOD things in life. I think that good people are what make those GOOD things happen. We have been so extremely blessed to be facing this challenge with an army of friends, family, ward, neighbors, friends of friends, and even strangers backing us every step of the way. I could go on and on about all the amazing things these truly GOOD people have done for us over the past 2 weeks, but I don't want to start crying AGAIN today so I will save my "thank you" post for another time.
Today I want to tell you (and show you) just one of those GOOD things that has happened to us...
I think one of the hardest things I have ever had to do as a Mother is to tell my daughter she would be losing her hair. I put it off for 2 days in the hospital. I went over and over in my mind what I would say, and how I would explain to a 4 year old that she would soon be bald. I still get shivers thinking about that conversation with her. I was so grateful when her Child Life specialist (like a therapist for kids) came in just after we had told her. He talked to her about it and then he pulled me aside and told me that for her age it is especially hard for the girls to lose their hair. He explained that at this age they define themselves as "boy" or "girl" thats it. Period. BUT he left me with some great suggestions. One of those being to get her picture taken before her hair starts falling out so she can look back, remember, grieve, and know that it will come back one day. I really liked this suggestion and I mentioned it to my amazing sister-in-law, Natalie. Natalie being Natalie jumped right on it and contacted her favorite photographer, Michelle. When Michelle heard Cam's story she offered to fit her in right away, pick up props for me, meet us anywhere we wanted and did it all on a Sunday evening!
Michelle was so cute with Cami and so patient with her (it was difficult to get her to smile and she was really grumpy... remember the steroids?). I am telling you, Michelle went above and beyond. The pictures turned out better than I ever would have imagined and we will love them forever! Cami loves looking at them, I know she feels beautiful and that is a gift she can hold on to throughout these next 3 years.
Thank you Michelle for your kindness, generosity and talent!
Please visit www.hunterlukephotography.com for more information on this amazing photographer (I am telling you if she can get a good pic out of this grumpy, sick, girl she will wok miracles on you and your family). She wrote did a cute post about her shoot with Cam here.
She sure captured our Camryn's sweet, spunky, spirit. We love them.. thanks again Michelle.. I seriously cant thank you enough!
These pictures are seriously adorable...and ones you'll cherish forever! Such cuties!
ReplyDeleteEach time I read your blog I end up in tears. I have had the privilege of meeting this sweet little girl on several occasions (I'm a friend of the Woods). These pictures are so beautiful and they really do capture Cami's personality perfectly. You have a wonderful support system and they will help you get through all of these trials.
ReplyDeleteShe is just the cutest little thing ever. I love and cherish your strength chel and pat! You guys are so strong. To have such perspective is something I wish I had. You guys inspire me.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I love the pictures. Your family is perfect and little Cami is so beautiful. I wanted to also ask if I could post something on my blog about Cami. I think about her multiple times a day and wanted to share her story.
ReplyDeleteChel, thank you so much for posting. I feel so out of the loop and we want so bad to stay up on you and all that is going on. We are always praying for you and thinking of you! Taunie
ReplyDeleteWhat adorable pictures!
ReplyDeleteMillie was devastated at the thought of losing her hair, and it took her a long time to come to grips with it, but by the time it actually happened, she was at peace with it. She decided to shave it just before it was totally gone, and was so excited to show her preschool, dance, and primary classes.
Everywhere we go people tell her how cute she is, and she has come to know that she's beautiful with or without hair.
As always, we're sending our love and prayers as you go through this rough time.
Chelsea these are beautiful. You will cherish them for the rest of your life.
ReplyDeletewhat a gorgeous girl, and gorgeous family! We love you guys & are thinking about you constantly. You're such strong people, hang in there, and if there is anything we can do, please let us know!!
ReplyDeleteLots of Love!
~Kristen & Dave Geurts
Those turned out so well! I especially love the family one and the one that looks vintage with cami holding the balloons!
ReplyDeleteYOur camryn is gorgeous!
ReplyDeletethat last one is my FAVE!!!
so lovely!
tara
She is beautiful, but then again you all are! Thank you for your "Mad" post. It is easy to sit and have your own pity party, but then you see a group of humble people who might have it "worse" and realize we need to cherish what we do have, and not what we don't get to do. Thank you for the reminder! You have such a great and realistic perspective on things. You are just the mom that Cami needs!
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for your sweet comments. It really helps to read your words of encouragement from day to day. We love you all!
ReplyDeleteTiana, of course we wouldn't mind if you link us on your blog. It would really mean a lot to us! Cami needs all the prayers she can get, so tell everyone you know :) And thanks!!
I heard about your blog from my sister and have been following ever since! I am amazed by your strength through this difficult time. Cami is in my thoughts and prayers. What an adorable little girl.
ReplyDeleteshe is amazingly gorgeous<3
ReplyDeletei want to send my prayers to you and your family, such a big obstacle for such a small girl, she is so strong to be able to still smile and live her life.
again good luck and i hope all goes well
she is absolutely gorgeous!
She is growing up so fast, but I can still see that itty bitty baby you guys brought to Emmeryville! These pictures are so perfect!!
ReplyDeleteChelsea,
ReplyDeleteYou probably don't know me but I am Alyssa Beck's Primary teacher. Alyssa told our little class about Cami soon after she was diagonsed. Each Sunday before we start our lesson, I let the girls go around and tell about something great that happened to them during the week. While the girls tell about fun trips they have been on, movies they have seen, or sleepovers they have been too, Alyssa always uses her time to tell us about Cami. It is amazing to see the love that she has for her brave little cousin. It is also amazing to see how much Cami has inspired Alyssa and these eleven other little girls in our class. We pray for her every Sunday in our class and I know that she is remembered in many of their prayers every night- including mine. Much love to you and your sweet family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Sara Lambert
Hey Pat & Chel The below message is from my beautiful, wonderful cuz...Lisa Hall MacFarlane....
ReplyDeleteIf the chance arises, tell her how much I admire her for all she is going through and the incredible lessons she is learning. She has expressed herself so well and so often brings tears to my eyes. She is only going to be stronger and wiser for all she is going through and her ability to see the good admist it all. God bless. The pictures are just beautiful!
Lisa
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family!! : )
ReplyDelete