He held her close as the sun was slowly setting over the desert. It grew silent as they swayed back and forth in front of our cameras. Their children watched quietly as they held each other close and smiled like newlyweds. Ted and Anna were soaking up every moment of their family session together at Papago Park. These two high school sweethearts are a truly amazing couple. They’ve raised an amazing family with four children and we’ve loved calling them friends. We met the Northrop family through our church over five years ago, and although our families have moved in different directions over the years, we’ve always felt a closeness with them.
Recently, one doctor’s appointment changed this sweet family’s lives forever. Anna, the cherished wife and mother of four was given a report that no one ever wants to hear. She was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. The diagnosis has rattled their family and tested their faith, but they have been strong together. We were truly honored to capture these precious photos of their family before Anna begins treatment for her cancer.
We were marked most by their collective resolve to enjoy every moment of their family session. To live in the moment fully and to be completely present. Together they braved the hot afternoon desert wind as their son Nate cracked jokes to keep everyone laughing and having fun! Seeing them all together in such unity and strength was a huge statement to the legacy Ted and Anna have built for their children.
What brings us together with the Northrop family is hope. Hope found only in the belief of the power of prayer and in God to bring healing. As we continue to pray for Anna’s healing, we also pray for God’s grace and strength as their family walks through this incredibly difficult season together. We’re also encouraged by their smiles. Their joy in the middle of hardship we can’t pretend to comprehend showed us a perfect example of what really defines true joy and where it is found.
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