Cancer Sucks

We have all been touched by Cancer in one way or another.  It isn't fair and it isn't fun.  There are people all over the world who are struggling and fighting to beat Cancer.  They are true heroes, especially the kids dealing with it.  And so are their loved ones.  I can't even imagine (and hope I never have to) what that must be like.  I hate the sinking feeling when my kids are sick and I have trouble sleeping when they have a cough, let alone something as big as Cancer.

Little Braedyn was diagnosed with Stage 3 liver Cancer when he was just 14 months old.  It breaks my heart.  But after 8 (long) months, he is now Cancer free!

So to celebrate being done with chemo and his second birthday, his Grandma planned this photo session.  It was so fun to get together with this little guy and his Grandma (who happens to be one of my favorite preschool teachers).  They obviously adore one another and he wanted to stick by her side whenever he was unsure of something.

The lollipop was a special treat as he isn't really supposed to have much sugar.  It can speed the growth of cancer and they don't want to take any chances.  I think Grandma had more of it than he did anyway.

I loved this session and this little guy gave me a workout.  Braedyn had to sit still in so many doctor offices, hospitals and clinics that now there is no slowing him down.  You wouldn't believe how many pictures I got of him running around.  It was a little like the line from Forrest Gump:  "Everywhere I went...I was running".

Isn't he just the picture of health and happiness?  He was so fun to watch.  He loved the animals and followed them around saying "uck" for Duck.  When we saw the chickens we taught him "cock-a-doodle-doo" which just came out as "cock", which gave us a good laugh.  You can tell that Gramma is a preschool teacher as she let him run, explore and get dirty (as little kids should).  He even picked up goose poop and was throwing it in the pond.  Yucky, but she didn't even bat an eye.

He was tricky and didn't love to look right at my camera, but with some patience I finally got the money shot!

Just look at that little face.  Don't you just want to squeeze him?

Caught red-handed.  Or in this case, poop-handed

My favorite part of the session was the end.  He was finally comfortable with me and would give me more smiles. I also got to see more of his sweet personality.  He reached his hand into his pocket and said "papa" and made this face: 

Papa had given him some coins earlier.  Love the expression on his face.

He also loved my little blue chair and really wanted to take it home.  He carried it around and pushed it on the sidewalk.  Darling.

Marcia, thanks for sharing your grandson with me for the afternoon.  It was a pure joy for me.  I am so thankful to have met him and I will be praying that he stays Cancer free!

For more pictures visit my website or my Facebook page.