Photographer, Educator, Student, Mother & Wife Obsessed with sharing moments through pictures & words
“Hope quietly abides in our souls and whispers comfort on our journeys when we need it most.” ~Unknown Tomorrow morning I go into surgery to undergo a laparoscopy. Yes, surgery…again. The topic is something I’ve preferred not to speak much about but after dealing with months of pain since the c-section when I had Chance […]
Amanda,
I felt like I was right there living in this story. I love your photography. Grandma Bistrow’s excitement brought tears to my eyes. The kids are getting cuter everyday! I just want to pinch Chance’s cheeks LOL..he is such a little doll. I wish you the best during your surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, and I can only HOPE for you that the “storm” will soon calm. I know you want to show your super powers like Chance, but you will never beat him so you should just drop out of the game now!jk..;)
*Hugs*,
Jessica
Okay Amanda, loved walking through the surprise, loved all of the pictures, but I have to admit, I hated crying as the tears rolled down while my agents walked by asking me “what’s wrong”? Not a very pleasant site I guess for them first thing in the morning seeing me cry over my computer!!!!!!
“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 […]
by Amanda Kern
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“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
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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 [...]
by Amanda Kern
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