Do you see it?  Do you?  There’s a sparkle in her eye, a joy in her voice, a sense of calm in her heart.  That my friends, is a little girl who is battling cancer.  Isn’t she amazing?

I had the opportunity to meet Amaya and her family at church when they came for prayer a few months ago.  I was so taken by how well she managed to have complete strangers pray over her even when she was not feeling her best.  Still swollen from being treated for an inoperable brain tumor, she looked at peace under the canopy of hands laid upon her.

It had been weeks since I last saw her, so it was thrilling to be greeted by a happy girl, bouncing off the couch and excited to have me in her house.  The swelling from the steroids had gone down so much.  She looked just like any other 6 year old.

In a very small space, with a very large light and a lot of people, we managed to get some images that are probably some of my favorites of all time.  See for yourself….

Nikon F100/ Mamiya RZ67
Kodak Portra 400

Today I turn 36 years old.  Yikes, 36!!!  Not only is it my birthday, but my wonderful daughter was also born on this very day too.  It’s hard to believe that 9 years ago, I was holding my newborn baby girl in my arms.  And now today, she’s a little big too be cradled.  I can’t quite hold her like I used to, but I can hold on to the memories of when she was tiny.  So in order to celebrate, I wanted to show off something brand new.

Hold onto your babies, because they’ll be grown up before you know it! And never forget to cherish the gift that they are!!!

Nikon F100/Kodak 400 color/desaturated
Mamiya RZ/Portra 400 color/desaturated

I am waiting on a ton of new images to grace my inbox, so until they arrive, here is some baby love just for you!!

Mamiya RZ 67 and Portra 400