Just over a year ago, I had the opportunity to meet total strangers that had a HUGE impact on my life.  Their friends, the Steadman Family, hired me to do family photos.  I was honored to be able to give them this gift.  Here are my thoughts (from my personal blog) from a year ago:

My dear, dear friend Julie hired me to go and take pictures last week of her friends, the Brown family.  I had never met them prior to this, but I instantly knew I liked them when I arrived at their home.  They were funny, and very down to earth.  Here is a link to their story. 

Here is a link to the pictures I did for them (the condensed version):

www.jessistringham.com/familiesareforever

I know they would appreciate any comments of encouragement during this time on their blog.  I am sure they enjoy receiving them and reading them, even if you don’t know them.  Here is the link that contains the full version of pictures and a spot where you could leave a comment of encouragement for them.

This was a very emotional photoshoot for me, naturally.  I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to do a good job and create a lasting memory.  As I lost my own father at a very young age, I really wanted to document their relationship together.

I decided that it would be nice to do both some shots in their backyard, which was perfect for this, as well as some against a backdrop.    Bryce gave me one of his bracelets and couldn’t stop thanking me for coming and taking pictures.  I could relate to Tammy so very much, and admired her strength.  She gave me a big hug as I left and I was very overcome by her appreciation.  She snuck some chocolate truffles into my car and I found them when I got home.  Anyone that gives me truffles is a friend for life.    Bryce lasted longer than most of my dads do on regular photoshoots, and he didn’t complain once.  He wanted a lot of kissing photos because as he put it, “it’ll be very important to Dani in the future.”  I couldn’t agree more.  

I was a blubbery mess and couldn’t stop crying all day last Saturday as I edited these pictures to get them online for them.  I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet them.

Unfortunately, Bryce lost his battle with cancer a few weeks later.  Now, a year later, I’m still touched by the gift this family gave me.  I think because they were close to my age (early 30’s), it hit me even harder, being able to relate so easily to their situation.  Both my husband and I went and had a 100% body scan done by a dermatologist.  In fact, I had a pre-cancerous mole that I would have NEVER guessed was pre-cancerous.  I’ve always been a big fan of sunscreen, but even moreso now.  For my trip to Florida, I didn’t go to the tanning beds……instead, I had a horrible experience having a spa apply self-tanning lotion (which is a great story in itself!).  I make sure to share their story with everyone I know, in hopes that we would all become a little better educated on this terrible disease.  I encourage you to go read their story.  It will touch you.

Remember, you only have a couple days left until I draw from any comments left this week for an iTunes gift card!

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Isn’t he beautiful…….I mean handsome?

I loved working with his Mom and Dad. They did everything I asked, and I can already tell they are going to be fabulous parents!

Allie, their dog, loved getting her photograph taken. Isn’t she a cute little dog?