Every so often I meet a person who just blows my mind for one reason or another. I met Magda through her husband, Russel. His son, Jacob, and my son played football together a while back with the Skyline Youth League here in town. Her and Russel are just the nicest people and I have enjoyed getting to know them and their kids over the years.
Meeting the Family
Magda is a beautiful woman and that is clear the minute you see her but what you can’t see is her inner beauty, strength and compassion. She is funny and sweet and just someone you want to hug and be friends with. That was how I felt the minute I met her. But I’m skipping ahead…..When I met Russel he and his family had just moved here from another state. All I knew about him at that time was what I saw. He was a devoted dad who was involved with his kids and completely present in their lives. He was at all the football games with us and even volunteering for chain gang down on the field. I got to know him as I was photographing the team and we’d start chatting since we were both standing there not coaching. LOL During the course of the season, I found out his wife was fighting cancer and was very sick. My heart went out to them.
Then I met his oldest son. Nathaniel has Treacher Collins. To learn more about that click HERE. The thing that struck me the most though was how great of a kid he is. He’s funny and kind and so well behaved. He was just about the same age as my oldest. Truthfully, both Nathaniel and Jacob are great kids. Nathaniel was going through some serious medical issues when Magda was diagnosed with cancer. It was a huge blow to them as a family. Watching Russel and Magda hold their family together and seeing Russel be everything to his wife and boys was such an inspiration. I can not imagine how difficult this was.
Road to Recovery
Nathaniel came through his surgery with flying colors and is doing exceptionally well. Magda’s cancer is a thing of the past. What a blessing. Russel reached out to me about nine months ago and asked if I would do a photo session with Magda. They were getting ready to be on ABC News telling their story and talking about the new movie Wonder that was about to come out. (This movie focuses on a boy with Treacher Collins which is based on a book that practically mirrors Nathaniel’s journey. They were a huge pat of this movie and were able to be on set.) Magda was healthy and back to work. She is a Body Pump instructor and wanted some pictures. I was more than happy to do this for them.
Session Day
I had met her briefly before and was just blown away by her kindness and inner joy. But once I saw her up there working out….strong….healthy…full of life I just couldn’t contain it. I went home loving my job. Getting to portray her like that was something that mattered. These pictures mattered. I was beyond moved. Having her come through on the other side of all of this better but still happy and kind and loving life was amazing. I am happy to call her my friend and enjoy the time we spend together.
To read more of Magda’s story click HERE. Her story was featured on the LesMills Body Pump site!!
If you are thinking of a newborn or maternity session, I’d love to chat. Contact me HERE to get your date scheduled.
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