Fair warning to those of you who have come to view the Rodriguez family, this one tugs on the heart strings, in a more than beautiful way.
As many of you know I am a proud supporter of Mommy and Me Cancer Foundation and have had the blessing of meeting and photographing many of the beautiful moms. When I received a text that they had a mommy that wanted to have her family photos taken, I had no idea it was something that was so very special. After speaking with Jenn, Co-Founder of MAMCF she told me that one of the things they do for the mommy's is ask what they would like help with. Yvonne's only request was family portraits, and I am blessed to be able to provide this for her.
From the moment I met Yvonne, I knew that there was something special about her. I couldn't tell if it was her welcoming smile or her sincere tone of voice. As we drove down the street to a local park she told me her story.
"When my little guy was born I remember breast feeding and I noticed a lump. I didn't think anything of it, I just thought it was because of the milk. About 2 years later, I just remember going to sleep and waking up, and the lump had tripled in size. It was then that I went to see my doctor, and found out that I had breast cancer. "
I remember her pausing to take a breath...
"I underwent treatment right away. Last week, I went to see my doctor, and he told me that I have 6 months to live. People tell me that doctors don't know what they are talking about, but Gina, I feel it. Thank you so much for doing this, Gina. This will be my first time taking family photos."
I held back my tears as she wiped her tears from her cheek and smiled as she looked outside the car door to her children. It was a very emotional session for all of us, and I am thankful for every moment of it.
Yvonne, Michael, Ava and Eli thank you so much for an amazing time together. Yvonne, as you know I send all my love and strength to you. Like you told me, there will be good days, and there will be bad days, one day at a time, mama! Keep fighting Yvonne. Love you.
