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31 May 2009
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When I prep for a maternity session, I am always so excited…something about seeing a mother-to-be looking radiant and the anticipation of meeting the little one in a few weeks during the newborn session.  Friday’s session was very different…mom and dad are expecting their third child in a few weeks, but sadly this little guy won’t be coming home.  He has Potter’s Syndrome (the same condition that also caused the demise of their oldest child six years ago), and unfortunately his prognosis means incompatible with life.

I had the chance to meet mom, dad, and big sister for a very special maternity session.  The mood was joyous – as this family appreciates every minute they have to spend with their son.  They know this tremendous situation is part of God’s plan, and they remain faithful through it all.  It was an absolute honor to be called upon as your memory-maker.

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you should hear this little one’s animal sounds – amazing!

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25 comments
  • Oh my God, what a heartbreaking story! The pictures are amazing, so colorful and joyous. What an amazing statement of love for this baby that the family had these wonderful pictures taken. God bless them and you Melissa, top notch as usual.

  • Strength is such an appropriate title for this post Melissa…from what you’ve written here they have lots of it. These photos are gorgeous! I’m sure they are thrilled with the memories you have captured for them.

  • Such a beautiful family…and such a tragic story. I cannot fathom what they have gone through and will go through. Your pictures are priceless!

  • The pictures are beautiful and I know they will cherish them forever. My heart goes out to them.

  • Beautiful work Melissa. What precious memories. My prayers are with this family.

  • Melissa-these photos are fabulous. love the color. I can not imagine the strength these parents have. Your title is so fitting. My heart breaks for them. Their daughter is precious. What lovely memories you made for them.

  • Beautiful family and wonderful moments captured. I photographed my sister’s maternity photos almost exactly a year ago. Her son was born and Melissa captured all 51 minutes of his life. My heart goes out to all of you. God bless.

  • Wow! What beautiful, priceless pictures! These are wonderful, Melissa.

  • You did a wonderful job. My thoughts are with this family.

  • oh my! my heart goes out to this couple.

    look at proud papa there :) and what an adorable big sister!

    i will keep this family in my prayers for some time to come.

  • Absolutely beautiful… they will be in my thoughts.

  • Oh Melissa, these are perfect. There is such joy in such heartbreak. Their daughter is precious and you can feel the love just radiating in that belly picture. More strength and blessings to them.

  • You did a beautiful job capturing these precious moments for this family. My heart aches for them but they seem to know God has a plan for them which I can only hope will help ease the pain!

  • wow many prayers to this family for continued strength and deep faith in God’s plan. You did a beautiful job melissa and i lvoe the silly face from big sis!

  • These are wonderful keepsakes for the family to have. I can’t imagine the strength that they must have to go through this twice. My heart goes out to the family.

  • Awww…what a precious shoot. Amazing work, and the gift you are giving this family is beyond wonderful! I’m sure they will cherish them forever!

  • My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. You’ve captured something absolutely beautiful for them, shots they will surely cherish forever.

  • These pictures capture such a special time. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family.

  • What beautiful portraits! They are a beautiful family and my prayers are with them during this difficult time.

  • Mary Buchanan

    Thank you so much Melissa for the wonderful memories of my grandson. You are right to name this strength because they have a lot of it. Being the grandmother of this precious baby is a real honor, I am just so sorry that he will not live to become a young boy or man. I am so proud of my son and daughter-in-law for they way they have handled this situation and my love for them deepens every day.

  • Melissa, these photos are so beautiful. But, so is the family! I know the mother and she is such a wonderful person. Thank you so much for displaying this in these portraits.

  • Wow what a heartfelt story told with amazing images. My heart goes out to this family during this time.

  • I am so glad that there are photographers like you out there that are willing to capture such special moments for families. This family is so beautiful and my heart goes out to them.

  • Absolutely beautiful. what very special photos

  • May God give you love and the strength to endure!! What special memories to cherish forever of your son!

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