Killian Day

A little over a week ago, my family and I travelled to West Shokan, NY to attend Killian Day which was held both to honor the life of Killian Mansfield and to support the foundation he created in the last months of his life.

Killian was truly a remarkable young man. He had a light, a charm and such goodness about him. (I need to give a shout out here to his parents Phil and Barbara who provided the environment, encouragement and support not only for who Killian was, but also for all that he endeavored to do.) The last time that I got to spend time with him, was in August of 2008. He was in DC with his mom and staying at the National Institutes of Health undergoing yet another treatment to fight the Synovial Sarcoma. Because one of Killian's comfort foods was Ethiopian food (I mean come on - what a cool kid!) - we sought out a local Ethiopian restaurant to have dinner. We picked them up (he and Barbara) in front of one of the Smithsonian museums and headed to dinner. Killian had a growth on his chin from the cancer and as he was getting into the car, my five year old daughter took one look at him sitting next to her and said "Mama, I want to go home." Well, needless to say, I was embarrassed and uncomfortable and totally unsure of exactly how to handle the situation...she said it a few more times...I did not know what to do.

Killian, who was fifteen at the time, began gently talking to Sophie (who would not look at him). He asked her questions. He told her that she could ask him whatever she wanted. He kept engaging her. When we got to the restaurant and we were washing out hands, I asked Sophie how she was doing and she said "I'm good. I really like Killian, he's really nice. I don't even notice what's on his face any more." I'm still in awe of the grace with which he handled the whole situation and I'm so grateful for his enormous part in helping to teach my daughter about the true beauty of people.

Last summer I attended his memorial service. The fullness, the eloquence and the profundity of every word spoken about him that day could have belonged to someone who spent much more time on this planet. The magnitude of this kid's effect on people was unbelievable.

So, no surprise at the continued outpouring on the first annual Killian Day. 


Here are a few pics from the day...

For more information on Killian's legacy or to make a donation:

Killian Mansfield Foundation

www.killianmansfield.org

info@killianmansfield.org

845.657.7168

P.O. Box 10, West Shokan, NY  12494

KMF is a registered 501(c)3 charity

The Cruea Family

Yesterday I went to the Cruea home to take family photos.  It was super humid and hot, but you can't tell by looking at this lovely family...here are a few peeks from the session...

Home at Last

It has been a while since my last post - so many things have been going on, and I will blog about them SOON.  Life has been filled recently with end-of-school-year functions and recital rehearsals and getting summer plans solidified.  Ahhhh, the "tender trappings" of parenthood...but I digress...

On Thursday, I went to take photos of the Gunter family.  I thought my life was busy, but I've got NOTHIN' on these guys.  They are getting ready to make a move from this area to Florida.  Troy (Dad) is already down in Florida getting the new house ready for the family.  In the midst of moving preparations, Debi (Mom) and her oldest daughter (Claire) took a trip to Africa to bring home the two newest members of the family - Datch and Abby.  In addition to the three children already mentioned, the Gunters have two more sons, Landon and Sam (who was also brought home from Africa a few years ago).  Needless to say, their household is FILLED with energy and love, lots and lots of love.

I sure wish that we were able to get Dad in this photo session, but schedules just did not permit.  Here are a few sneak peeks...

Datch was not so sure about me or my camera - but, ohhh those eyes!

Abby, on the other hand, was happy to pose.

Mom with Datch and Abby

Mom with all her babies!

Don't Want To Miss A Thing

I have a really cool job.  I ADORE babies and it is always my pleasure to have the opportunity to meet and photograph sweet newborns and to meet their wonderful parents.  Yesterday, I met an 11 day old little boy, his parents and his maternal grandparents.  The newest member of this family just did not want to miss a thing and he fought sleep with all his little might.  The hard life of a supermodel finally took its toll though...zzzzz - so that we could pose him. :-) Here are a few peeks from the session...

the sweet family (look at their love and their awe...)

baby boy (LOVE that full head of hair!)

the grandparents who travelled across the world to meet him

Sisters

Yesterday I met two lovely sisters.  One was visiting all the way from California and they wanted to document the occassion in photographs.  Beautiful ladies with equally beautiful daughters.  Here is a sneak peek from their session...