Grab a Tissue- Vincent Family Session

The Vincent’s have become good friends of ours this past year. Cari is a busy mom to three boys, I to four kids, and we met a year ago in this busy season of life. Cari and I have this thing called “pastor’s wife” in common. It’s one of those things that even though we don’t get a ton of time to hang out together just as friends, we are friends. PW’s stick together and can relate to the high demands of life that comes with being married to a pastor. I have been grateful to have Cari as a friend, someone to talk to about ministry life and I have enjoyed getting to know her this year. She is SO full of joy and her smile LIGHTS up a room. As you will see in full display in the pictures of her.

I snapped a few of them a couple months ago before baby Jack was born…

Her boys are super adorable and “full of life” to say the least!! Cari is one busy mama

With the addition of baby Jack, I knew they would want some updated photos of their family at some point. But I never expected it like this. Not under these circumstances. A week before these next set of pictures were taken, I got a text from Cari saying “It’s cancer.” Yes, in a matter of one week she went from suspicion to confirmation. My friend is now fighting breast cancer.
WHAT?!?!” My heart cried out. How does a young mom, with three little boys get breast cancer? I asked her if there was anything I could do for her. Her response, “Can we get some family pictures before my hair falls out?” Done.

These pictures have ended up becoming some of my favorite work to date and I know that it’s not because of my work or ability. It’s because what’s on display in these pictures is a family, truly grateful to God, to be a family. A mom loving her kids with more love then she even knew possible and a husband and wife who are grateful to be married and in each other’s arms. There is nothing to be taken for granted here. What is on display is a family who is smiling, laughing, full of hope in a great God who can heal and promises to bring good out of ALL things. Including cancer. Cancer can not and has not robbed them of their joy in God. Oh what a beautiful sight this is.

Cari’s parents were on the first flight out upon hearing their daughter’s news and will be here for an unforeseen amount of time to help out.

*special thanks to my friend Megan who came and assisted in the photo shoot. She caught this awesome shot of the boys!

Cari I pray daily for God to heal you and to give you the strength you need for this journey. Thank you for your faith and joy that is so evidently on display as you walk through this trial. You are an example and inspiration to all who know you.

Friends please join me in praying for this dear family! Thank you!