I could not choose just one… when I read the story about this family I realized that this was a family also deserving of my time, money and heart. This entry was sent in from a client whom most of you loyal blog readers know. Kathie, baby Mac’s aunt, sent this entry to me. She will be receiving a $250 print credit following her next session with me. Good thing since she says next year she has to have me design her Christmas cards. This money will help her pay for those.

So, don’t tell Kathie I told you but she got so excited when she called to tell her friend Allison that she won…. that she backed right into a post at church. Yep folks, she was crying and emotional and smack… Have I told you all how much I love my job? Sorry Kathie but such a true testament to your love for Allison!

I asked Kathie to please write me a little about the family for me to put on my blog tonight. Kathie has incredible writing skills and when she sent me the entry it was beautiful, well-crafted, and really long. So, I essentially asked her to shorten it for all of you readers.

From Kathie:

Ron & Allison Valdes are the proud parents of two amazing boys, Reagan (7) and Jake
(4- his birthday is today, Christmas Eve!).  They do their best to both nurture
their family and work hard, while also juggling commitments to the church choir,
nursery committee, and special projects at church (such as Trunk N Treat at
Halloween).  Allison works during the day, while Ron works in the evenings, ensuring
one of them is always home with their boys.

They are an exceptional family in all of the ‘normal’ ways… the first to volunteer
to help out, wonderful positive outlooks, dedication to God.  But that is not what
makes this family really special.  Their story begins when Reagan was born;  both he
and Allison were in dire straits during the delivery process.  When Reagan was born,
he was not breathing, and it took almost ten full minutes for the medical team to
revive him.  During this time, Allison was not conscious, and Ron was facing the
possibility of losing both his wife and his son.

Against all odds, nearing the ten minute mark, Reagan took a breath.  He spent the
beginning of his life in the NICU, fighting an uphill battle to survive, but he had
a secret weapon… a team of two parents who would move heaven & earth to do the
very best for him.  Reagan has cerebral palsy, and at age six was just beginning to
walk on his own (without his walker), after a number of rounds of intensive,
expensive suit therapy.  This past summer, though, his progress was halted due to a
need for surgery to repair his hips.  Again, he was in ICU, in incredible pain and
struggling to get through each day.  But, as always, he had his parents & Jake to
count on…

Reagan is up and moving again, playing with his brother, and working hard to gain
back the skills he lost due to surgery.  You would be hard-pressed to find a happier
family, despite their challenging circumstances.  They exude faith and in many ways
emulate Christ-like behavior.  They are beyond thrilled to have the opportunity for
professional photographs of their family!!

Thank you Elizabeth, from the bottom of my heart.  I cannot tell you how much it
means to me, and will mean to so many others, for you to do this for this special
family.  For all they give to their children, to their church, and to others, I love
that this is a gift for them.

Merry, Merry Christmas!!!
love kathie

Thank you Kathie for taking the time to nominate them. Tonight I had a voice mail from Allison and she told me that these will be the first professional images ever taken of Jake. All money has been spent on Reagan since Jake’s birth so there has never been extra money for this. I am beyond honored that I will get to photograph both the Kelly’s and the Valdes’ in the next few months.

Well, the clock is ticking over here and Santa is busy putting together a kitchen for Eliza. Mrs. Clause should be stuffing stockings and helping Santa… so I must run. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!