Photographer, Educator, Student, Mother & Wife Obsessed with sharing moments through pictures & words
“If I could give you one thought, it would be to lift someone up. Lift a stranger up–lift her up. I would ask you, mother and father, brother and sister, lovers, mother and daughter, father and son, lift someone. The very idea of lifting someone up will lift you, as well.” — Maya Angelou Over […]
“Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Since just before Chance left the NICU back in March we’ve been anticipating this day. Admittedly the anticipation came with a mix of hopes and fears. We are quite fortunate to live in Orlando so close and are able […]
by Amanda Kern
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I teared up reading your post. I remember so well our first clinic evaluation, and the fears and hopes I walked in with. They also told me that Madison would walk, and I cried right there with relief for so many concerns that I had been reassured about. Yes, we have issues, but we also have hope and anticipation of wonderful things to come!
“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” — Maya Angelou We’ve made it a few days and thankfully haven’t had to return to the hospital with my baby boy. After how crazy the last week was I admit it is a huge sigh of relief to […]
by Amanda Kern
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I heard of your story through “Hero’s for a cause”, I too have SB, and a shunt. I’m 17 and this story has seriously touched my life. I am and will be praying for your beautiful baby and your family. God has a plan! Stay strong! Jeremiah 29:11.
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” — Maya Angelou Today was the first time I entered the NICU since Chance was born. Today I met 2 day old Mason for the first time. Mason also has spina bifida. When I arrived he was laying […]
by Amanda Kern
7 comments
Precious! Beautiful pictures!
Your photos made me remember our NICU experience with Zoe so much. I agree…I don’t think anyone can truly understand unless they’ve been down this road before! Great job on the photos. That mom will cherish those forever!!
This are an amazing collection of powerful documentary images. Is a heart cringing feeling that send shivers to the viewer while warming the heart and feeling and faith and love only a mother can feel. You can feel the love by which this images were taken.
Thank you for these photos, Amanda! I’m so glad these moms have someone like you. It makes me wish I was still in Orlando and able to be a part of this community. I wish I had someone to talk to when I was going through all of it, and I’m glad you’ve been able to help and reach out to so many families facing these new challenges. And, as always, beautiful photos!
Amanda, I’m Mary’s brother and I just wanted to say this was a beautiful blog and the pictures are very touching. I got to spend a little bit of time with Mason Monday evening several hours after his first surgery. I appreciate the time you’ve taken with my sister and Mason, it has been such an impact for her with the support and information so she (and the rest of us) have a grasp on the challenges and the hope we face. Thank you, Ken
“Lead me by your truth & teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” -Psalm 25:5
So very sweet to have captured Mason opening his eyes for his mother for the first time.
[...] her third child, who was diagnosed with spina bifida. I can now announce happily that Mary’s son, Mason, has entered the world. He is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unite (NICU), so I ask that we all keep him and [...]
“They say bad things happen for a reason.” ~Breakeven. This time a week ago I never would have imagined we would have spent most of the last week in the hospital with Chance. Nor would I have ever believed that he’d have gone through three surgeries in a matter of a few days. Last year […]
by Amanda Kern
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Miss Amanda,
I am boo hoo crying because yet again I am not closer to be with you when you need me the most! You are amazing and I love you more than I can ever write in words! You and Jason amaze with me with your strength! You are amazing parents and Chance, Hope, and Jaylen are the luckiest kids in the world! This is my favorite blog and the photos are amazing as always. Chance is beautiful and his eyes speak to my soul!
Love you,
Miss Shanna
I am very happy for you all that things went, and are, going well! Thank you so much for sharing this personal and difficult time with us! Your faith and strength in God, and each other, show in all you do and say; you are all a great inspiration to all of us! Good Luck and take care!
Amanda, you are really a Super Mom in all ways, and you have the Super kids to prove it! Can’t leave out Super Dad either!
Thanks for your honest reflections, and for being who you are.
[...] More shunt surgeries & photos ?» Amanda Kern Aug 3, 2011 … 'They say bad things happen for a reason.' ~Breakeven. This time a week ago I never would have … [...]
by Amanda Kern
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