Rosie's 6th Birthday and a Little Miracle Named Maci

Wow. Where do I even start?

6 years. 6 years since I held and kissed the baby that turned me into a mother.

Each year we have our family tradition for celebrating her as a family. We have changed it up a little each year, and sometimes we aren't always in Ohio when we do it, but we let off red balloons, sing happy birthday and celebrate a meal in her honor.

This year is no different, but we won't be able to celebrate until Sunday because of Foster being out of town for the Army. BUT the day of Rosie's actual birthday was filled with celebration and blessings.

Some of my facebook friends follow and know the story of little Maci already. If you don't go and check out her facebook page. For those of you who do not know of her story, she was diagnosed at her anatomy scan with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. Which TYPICALLY with multiple open heart surgeries and long stints in the hospital can be treated. However, the doctors aren't always able to see the full extent of the situation prior to birth, so they went into the delivery not knowing if Maci would make it, if she did how extensive was her heart condition, etc. I had reached out to Karissa when she first got diagnosed to offer support through the only way I know how: photos. I offered to be at the hospital for her birth and first few hours of life in the event SOMETHING happened, and they were the only photos they would have. We chatted throughout the pregnancy and looked like I would be allowed in the delivery room. That is until they moved the delivery to the operating room. I woke up to the announcement of Maci's arrival instead of a phone call to come take photos, and found out from Karissa that I would not have been allowed in, so they didn't bother calling. I told her to keep me updated and I would ladly come in and do hospital, fresh 48, or even HOPEFULLY a newborn session for her if/when Maci was released.

Well, the next day I got a text from her. She was asking if I could possibly meet them at their house to take photos of Maci. The doctors had found out there were a lot more complications to Maci's condition then originally thought. Karissa and Josh had to make the hardest decision of their lives. They had to decide to either go through with a bunch of surgeries that would never completely fix her, have her in the hospital the rest of her life, and have no guarantee of her survival, or take Maci home on Hospice care to be loved for the time she has here on earth.

They chose to take her home.

I cannot even begin to describe the respect and awe I have for this couple. I cannot say I would have made the same decision. I am too weak. But when I arrived in their home that night, and my following times with the family, I KNEW that it was the right decision. I felt the presence of God, and the outpouring of love from her family. The holy spirit is just filling that home!! Maci will know nothing in this life except for love. What an AMAZING gift!!!

So I stayed a few hours to capture loved ones holding her, loving on her, praying, crying. I truly felt like I was a guest in a very sacred place. I was honored to be there with them and meet this amazing little miracle. However, as you can imagine with so many people around, I was unable to really focus on Maci, or her family (Mom, Dad and big brother). I wanted to make sure that they had the same types of photos I was able to do for them with Jake when he was a newborn. SO I offered to come back in a few days and do a formal session.

Times changed and days changed a couple times due to circumstances, but we finally were able to get me into the house on Rosie's birthday. My sister asked if I was up for it, if I felt like I could take photos of Maci on Rosie's birthday KNOWING that Maci will join Rosie sooner than anyone wants her to. My response: "I can think of no better way to honor my daughter on her birthday then by taking this little angel's photos. Rosie is my reason for being a photographer. She is my inspiration and she would want me here with this family."

It was inspiring, humbling, and I was beyond honored to be there. I was able to talk with grandparents, love on Maci, capture their family, shed a few tears with people who "get it" and help encourage a family who will embark on the hardest journey they will ever take (hopefully later than sooner)....the loss of their child.

After leaving their house, I met my sister, Jess, and all the kids out at the cemetery. We had a beautiful balloon release and ate ice cream after. We will celebrate as a whole family this Sunday, but Rosie's 6th birthday in heaven will go down as one of the most fullfilling birthdays to date thanks to a little girl named Maci!!!

Thank you Karissa, Josh, Jake, Maci and family for inviting me into your home and giving me the honor of capturing your beautiful family.

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