What A Day!!

Today started with a bang. I had a wonderful session this morning with the new Miss Stanly County, Brittney Summers, and her sweet princess, Raeanna Eudy. They were full of life and participated in both the purple glove dance and 'Faces of the 'C' Word. My heart was so full to be around these two that give so willingly of their time and talent. God blessed me with this morning. It was dreary outside, but so bright inside. Brittney has devoted her platform to Relay For Life. Stanly County could not have a better person to represent us at Miss NC in the spring. I'm so thankful to Connie Goins at Jumpin' Jacks Coffee for letting us use her upstairs space for a bit. It was a door opened by God when we were desperately searching for a space.

I also photographed a wonderful lady who is a wife, a mom, a coworker, a friend, but most of all a survivor. She has a wonderful story that will no doubt show how courageous she was in her battle. She was 'sportin' her pink rhinestone breast cancer shirt. Wait until you see her beautiful picture!!!

After those two sessions I had the awesome opportunity to photograph a person who has been a long time friend. She taught my children at Millingport when they were young and our children all went to AHS together. Cheryl Edwards and her husband, Don, came into our home full of smiles and happy vibes. Cheryl now sports a new 'do'. It's the look of a survivor. I LOVE it!! Cheryl is a breast cancer survivor and her husband is also a survivor of the 'C' word. What a joy they are. It was nice to catch up for a bit and to learn that they still have some of Staley's artwork hanging in their home. No home is complete without some Story art.

My final session today was really, really special. I got to photograph Todd Coley and his little buddy, Brayden. Just 3 weeks after Todd's diagnosis of prostate cancer, his daughter found out that she was expecting her first baby. Todd is now cancer free. When you watch Todd with Brayden, you can see that cancer seems to make their relationship a bit sweeter. Every move that little Brayden makes is carefully watched by PaPaw. Todd and his wife, Brenda, have been dear friends for many years. I watched their children, Emily and Daniel, grow up. Every weekend is spent with their kids and that precious little gift known as Brayden Todd Russell.

As I say my prayers tonight, I will lift up those who are suffering from this wicked illness. I will praise Him for the blessings of each of these that I have gotten to know through His project.