Seven years ago today- mine and DeWayne’s world turned upside down and inside out.  God gave us the most incredibly precious gift any one could ever ask for - a terrific & beautiful little girl.  After a 12 year journey, with lots of ups and downs - she arrived.  Many of you had told me that there was no way that I could understand love until I experienced parenthood.  Nothing has ever been more true.  Edie Grace has become our world.  She has been my creative rebirth in so many ways.

Most of you know  our story - but after a 12 year struggle to have a child - I learned when she was only 14 months old that I had cervical cancer.  In fact, I had my first surgery on my 33rd birthday.  I breast fed Edie Grace for the last time the night prior to my surgery.

This was an epiphany to me, however.  If I did not make it through the surgery or survive the cancer - I realized that the ONLY way Edie Grace would know me was through pictures.  She would have no cognitive memory other than pictures.

How ironic - the gift I give to parents every day - is the ONLY way my child would know me - had I not survived.  Well God had another plan for me.  He knew that many of you needed to hear my story and to have your story told through the lens of my camera.  Every portrait I create is special - but none are more special than the ones I have created since this spiritual and creative rebirth.  I understand the incredible importance of my job in a way I had never understood before the arrival of Edie Grace and the survivorship of cancer.

When I speak around the country - sharing my story I end my speech with a slide show.  It is our story through pictures and it is set to one of my favorite songs by Tim Mcgraw “Live Like You Were Dying” which is my challenge to each of you.  Life really takes on a whole new meaning when you do this.

Happy Birthday Edie Grace and thanks for adding the value and meaning to my life that it needed.  You have inspired me to work harder and stretch my creative abilities in ways that seemed unimaginable.  All that in just SEVEN years!

I Love you!

Mom

p.s.  You are soooooo beautiful!!!