“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is…and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”    -Donna Ball

 

Heading into Mother’s Day weekend, I’m honored to share these images of Khim, the epitome of beauty and strength in motherhood. A mother who from the moment she saw the flickering heartbeat of new life was instantly filled with the hope she needed for her own in such a dark time.

 

A year ago, we stood in the corner of her bedroom, meeting for the first time to create a tangible memory of this part of her miraculous story.

 

A story that includes a scary diagnosis, a surprise pregnancy, a recommendation to terminate, a double mastectomy, chemo, the birth of a perfect, healthy baby girl, more chemo and radiation, and finally remission.

 

Today, she will be heading into surgery one last time to reconstruct what cancer took away from her. Khim, you are a light and an inspiration. Your scars make you even stronger and more beautiful than you ever were before. Sending you so much love and praying for a smooth operation and recovery in the weeks ahead!

 

Khim shares her journey on her personal blog Flint & Honey. Head to this post and this one to see sweet baby Yuri and hear how God has moved in her life. Then, go back to the beginning here and read every post and prepare yourself for tears and laughter and hope.

 

After finishing up with these shots, we headed into downtown St. Augustine for some family photos. Aren’t they just the most beautiful family ever?! Seriously, ever.

I had the privilege of photographing all three children this past weekend and film scans should be in soon! Can’t wait to share all the goodness that is sweet baby Yuri!