I had a security blanket as a child, also known as my “Night-Night”.  That silky blue fabric comforted me for more years than I care to admit to.  Let’s just say I was well beyond the “appropriate” security blanket age when I finally folded it up, tucked it away and sadly said goodbye.  My “Night-Night” (which aptly earned it’s name from the nightly bed-time expression my parents used to send me off to dream land with) saw me through the typical ups and downs of childhood—sore throats, a bad day at school, cat naps on the couch and Saturday morning cartoons. It never left my grasp. My mom says I used to stand at the door of the dryer waiting anxiously for it to be done – sometimes even beating on the dryer.  Hey – a girl needs her security blanket when she needs it.  As I type this, I’m grinning ear to ear and wondering where that thing is.  Mom – feel free to post a response below as I’d love to have it back!

What my Night-Night never saw, though, was the pain and suffering cancer brings to a child and their family.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I’ve photographed not one, but two courageous children in the last eight months who are bravely fighting this disease (you can see Daimian’s session here). I just can’t seem to wrap my head around it.  No child – or adult – should ever have to suffer from this.  Ever.  But they do.  And all I can hold on to is that God is good, He doesn’t give us what we can’t handle and He answers prayers.

Margaret has been in front of  my lens numerous times.  I’ve been capturing her and her little brother since they were babies and her parents have become good friends of ours.  This past winter she was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) and has been beating it like a champ ever since.  It hasn’t been an easy road but Margaret has been constantly covered in prayer and has an attitude/outlook I could only hope to have if I were in her shoes.  Praise God she is doing well, but again, it’s a long road of chemo and the horrible side effects that come with it – much too much for a little body to endure sometimes.  Please keep her in your prayers.

I recently had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Margaret and her family as part of a larger project I’m working on (more to come on that soon) and photographed her just being a kid and enjoying her family, all while putting on a brave face and not letting her disease bring her down.  Because that is seriously how she lives.  I’m in awe of her spirit and her strength. We could all learn a thing or two from her.

I thought of my Night-Night when writing this post because, like me, Margaret has her own “security” animals — “Scruff” the dog and “B-B bunny”.  I’ve seen these two tattered (and well loved) dolls numerous times before at our previous photo shoots or when visiting but as I was editing, it was really apparent to me just how much Scruff and B-B bunny have been there for her.  With two amazing parents (including a mom who cut her hair short while Margaret was losing her own hair) and a little brother who clearly thinks the world of her, along with countless friends, family and strangers praying for her, Margaret has an amazing support system.  The pictures speak for themselves, but I couldn’t go without giving props to Scruff and B-B, also part of that support system, who I hope will continue to bring her comfort and peace until she comes out on top when all the treatments are over.  Because she will.

Thank you “S” family for allowing me to capture this difficult time in your lives.  What an inspiration Margaret is for me personally, but I know for so many others as well.  I continue to pray for God’s healing over her and for strength and comfort for all of you.

Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

 

Margaret holding B-B with Scruff at her side:

There were so many cute ones of Margaret and her little brother playing on their back porch couch.  I couldn’t narrow it down:

In love with this moment…

Silly mom:

Nothing like comfort from dad (I see B-B bunny too):

Showing me her port:

Showing me, mom and B-B bunny her medicine:

A  quick game of musical chair:

Time for a swim:

Exhausted ~ time to cuddle with Scruff and B-B bunny.

“Night-Night” sweet girl:

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  In honor of Margaret, Daimian and all children suffering from this disease, I am donating a portion of my Holiday Couture sessions to CureSearch.  I hope to see you soon to make some amazing memories for your family while contributing to a wonderful cause.  Blessings!