Back in December of last year, I came across a post made by another photographer on facebook in the wake of what took place in Newtown, CT.  The Olivia Act was named after one of the children killed on that horrific day.  Olivia's family had family portraits taken a short time before she was killed and those pictures are now priceless to them.  Upon hearing this, this photographer was moved to give away a family photo shoot and challenged other photographers to do the same.  We go about our daily lives and sometimes we don't take the time or have the resources to have family portraits taken.  I hopped on board and started taking nominations right away!  Five families were nominated and honestly, it was impossible for me to choose just one, as each story deeply touched my heart.  

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of taking pictures of a family who has been delt with incredible challenges over the last year. When their daughter Lily was just two, she was diagnosed with a very rare form of Epilepsy called Doose Syndrome.  They have been juggling a very strict diet for Lily, medications, Dr. appointments, nutritionist appointments, two careers, taking care of their other daughter, Annie, sleep deprivation, complete and utter exhaustion, along with all of the other daily responsibilities of life. Their medical expenses are high and having family portraits taken this year was certainly not a priority for them.  

Being a mother myself, I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to watch your child have multiple seizures a day, with one of the main worries being that she would fall while having a seizure and seriously injure herself...CANNOT IMAGINE!  

This family has recently met with a new dietitian and they have seen great progress with Lily's condition. She is thriving and her seizures are less frequent as days pass.  As Lisa, Lily's mom, stated in her blog, they have "felt like they have been climbing Everest for the past year, but are finallly feeling like they are walking down hill."  

I was thrilled to spend my morning with the Clapper family.  They are all so beautiful, both inside and out!  I am sharing some images from our shoot yesterday at Matthews/Winters Park in Golden.  With their strong faith and incredible parenting, amazing things are on the horizon for this family!  They are more than deserving of a photo session and I am extremely honored to do this for them!

This first picture is of sweet Lily.  She has endured more than any child should ever have to in her first three years of life, but despite this, she is a happy little girl who is full of smiles as she continues to get better each and every day!

Lily and her little sister, Annie.  Could they be any cuter?

It is quite clear that they will always be there for each other!  

Annie made me laugh in this one!  I think she was screaming "cheeseburger!"  

This is my very favorite!

It is certainly clear how much love there is in this family.  Their faith has been tested and I must say, their resolve is truly humbling to me.  I hope that having all of these images filled with laughter and smiles, the pictures will somehow give them more hope that one day, all of their current worries will only be memories.  

God Bless you, Clapper family...