On March 16th, my "baby" cousin Mandie was involved in a truly tragic accident. She was riding as a passenger in a vehicle when the driver to lost control (we are unsure of the details at this time) and Mandie was ultimately ejected. She underwent emergency surgery to have her spleen remove, she suffered a broken collar bone, broken pelvic bone, seven broken ribs, internal bleeding and both lungs were punctured. Thankfully, she is a fighter and I am pleased to report she is doing as well as expected given her injuries.
Last night, I could not sleep. You see, lately Mandie and her parents (my Aunt and Uncle) are all I can think about. I am constantly looking at my phone throughout the day to see if there are any progress updates on her condition. I just need to be doing something more for them. That is when I decided to use my "mad" photo skills and put them to use. So I came up with a photography fundraiser. :)
Then I decided that I wanted her to have her own hashtag. I know it sounds silly but I am working on a secret project for her and I wanted there to be a way, that when I am ready to expose it to her and everyone else, we could easily find posts related. Thus #loveforAMM was created. :) I even registered in on TWBS.
After watching me design my "Mini's for Mandi" flyer my youngest child came to me with an idea and all the money she had...$2.00. She said, "Mama, can I help too?" She then handed me the money. How could I say no?!?! Promptly, I told her to go get dressed for her shoot.
I have always tried to set a healthy example that life is not all about getting… it’s about giving. As a family we have raised money for countless organizations and I am always trying to give back to the community and those in need. But I have always wondered if my children understood what this all meant. Today it was confirmed that they do listen, they do comprehend and they do have a desire, like me, to help others.
Usually Scarlett loathes being in front of my camera. Sure, she does great for the first few shots but she soon tires of it and wants to go play. Today was different. Maybe it was because she knew what this session meant? Or maybe it was because she just needed to be the center of attention for a few minutes; I am not really sure. The reason does not really matter. What matters is that today she was striking poses left and right, suggesting locations and enjoying the moment. As was I.
When we got home from the session I talked with Mandie's Mom and told her about Scarlett's donation. She suggested that instead of the monetary donation Scarlett could read to Mandie once she is farther along in her recuperation. I mentioned the idea to Scar and her eyes lit up, reading is something she struggles with but she was super excited about getting to share a story with her cousin. {Proud moment #2.}
This is not my usual editing style but I was going for something a little different today. So glad I decided to mix it up because I love how the images turned out.
If you would like to help there are a few ways you can do:
1. If you are a prayerful person please, please, please lift her in prayer and if not I am asking for crossed fingers, positive thoughts, positive energy vibes, love and well wishes.
2. Click here and make a donation on the gofundme account. Any amount is welcomed and appreciated.
3. Please spread the word. Mandie and her family can use all the support we can give!
Thank you, I hope everyone reading this has a wonderful week!
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