Friday, July 13, 2012

Flashes Of Hope








These pictures were taken on April 18, after Karagen had her surgery to remove some of the tumor that was compressing her spine.  In my mind and heart I remember this time period as very dark and very hard.  Adjusting to having a child with  a terminal illness, watching Karagen suffer from her surgery and contemplating the preceeding weeks of fitful sleeping and pain filled nights-all the results of her cancer.  Wondering every second what the future would hold and frantically trying to adjust my expectations, while desperately missing our children at home..  In the midst of all that- these pictures were taken.  I can't help but say-there were flashes of HOPE and that is what we did and DO hold onto! 

These pictures were taken at National Children's Hospital in DC in the Oncology Clinic waiting room by volunteer photographers.  They were completely free.

15 comments:

  1. Such beautiful pictures :)

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  2. Beautiful, beautiful pictures! I continue to pray for your sweet family!
    Jessica

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  3. I'm at a loss for words. One comes to mind. "PHOTOGENIC"
    Love Monica Ford

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  4. Simply BEAUTIFUL!! It's those little flashes in time that you will hold on to forever! A shame that we often wait until something horrible like cancer invades our lives before we stop to do things like these pictures. Thank you for the reminder that I need to stop and enjoy these precious moments in time with my girls.

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  5. Simply BEAUTIFUL!! It's those little flashes in time that you will hold on to forever! A shame that we often wait until something horrible like cancer invades our lives before we stop to do things like these pictures. Thank you for the reminder that I need to stop and enjoy these precious moments in time with my girls.

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  6. Great series of pics. Smiles in the midst of all that pain and uncertainty.

    Rich P

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  7. You're both so beautiful, and these pictures brought tears to my eyes. God bless those photographers who made such a gift possible. Thank you, precious Crystal, for sharing these with us. Love and hugs!!

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  8. Beautiful mom...beautiful daughter. Still praying for you all. With love.

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  9. These are fantastic pictures. May God bless the generous people who took them for you!

    We think of your family and pray for you often!

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  10. LOVE these pictures!!!! I forgot you had these done. THANK YOU for sharing them with us.

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  11. These are absolutely great! Everytime I see Karagen's beautiful smile, it makes me smile. We continue to remember the whole family during this difficult time.

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  12. Dear Ones...These pictures are so precious..."tear jerckers" for sure! Thank the Lord that He gives hope, something the world cannot give. Continuing to pray. Your "laying your heart bare" in your sharing, has made it easier to know how to pray. Loving hugs coming your way.

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  13. My family and church family have been keeping you all in our prayers. Cancer hits home for me. My heart hurts for you, and yet has hope for you as well. Praying often for you, Karagen and the rest of your sweet family. <3

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  14. Crystal,
    I've been thinking of you and praying for you. Sending much love your way.

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  15. Life. That's all I can say. Life has kept me from blog reading as much as I once did and today I stop by for a visit and am hurting for you after what I've read. My dear friend, please know that I will life your sweet Karagen up in prayer, as well as you and your beautiful family. I'm truly sorry you are walking through this but I am so thankful that you have trust in the One who is the Great Physician.

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