…now, what to say when words aren’t enough?? Oh yes…. …. photographs so often capture what cannot be expressed with words…the drool of a teething toddler {that to a parent is the cutest thing ever}, the quite last few seconds at dusk, a field of clover knee high that begs to be wandered among, the…
…Or better yet, Alisha or Lisa?? I cried and cried over the entries. Beautiful, heartfelt. All so deserving. I got entries from Army moms, adoptive parents, and even a beautiful mom who sacrificed and gave her baby up…. …. I got entries from people who cleverly managed to use alllllllll my favorite word’s in one…
show 127 comments
One more thing, for anyone who’d like more details on Alisha’s progress with treatments etc, I’ve been posting updates on my blog at christianlace.blogspot.com
Both these stories crush my heart, but I must vote for Alisha because she is my beloved cousin!
I “lurk” on your mom’s site almost daily! So I had to hop over here and read the stories. My vote is for Alisha–those babies will need to have pictures of their beautiful mom when their own too-young memories fail them. What a blessing this will be to either family, though.
Not that it’s an easy choice. #2
I vote for alisha. Her daughters deserve picture with their mommy, this may be there only chance. Life is oo short and too precious, those girls deserve some good memories. Good luck Abi, this is going to be a tough one to decide and a tough one to shoot. I can’t wait for the results, you will do an amazing job!
Now that I’ve finished sobbing, I vote for Alisha. Everyday is a gift and a miracle and I’m praying for Alisha to get hers!
I vote for Alisha.
I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD CHOOSE ALISHA. WHILE BOTH ARE GOOD, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THOSE SWEET GIRLS TO HAVE LIVE LONG MEMORIES OF THEIR MOM. THE BABY WILL POSS NEVER KNOW HER MOM AND TO SEE PICTURES OF HER LATER HOLDING HER KIDS AND DAD SMILING WILL BE A GREAT HEALING PROCESS FOR THOSE GIRLS. lYNNE
alisha.
Both stories touch the heart. My vote is for #2
I vote for number 1…as everyone has said, both stories are so deserving, but I feel like voting for number 2 is like saying we’ve already given up on her.
Both stories are moving but Alisha’s daughters need something precious to remember their mommy by. My heart breaks for this family and I pray that God would perform a healing miracle so all would see His mighty hand and His great love for His children. But even if that is not the outcome, His love will show for them through you and your loving gift to their family. God Bless You!
#2. I know you will make it beautiful…
Lisa, adopt and sacrifice and then sacrifice some more, moving to Kenya! really…!
Definitely hard. I am really moved by Finalist #1-but given the extensive nature of Finalist #2′s cancer-this could possibly be the most important pictures & sadly, the only professional pictures this family may ever have. For this reason-I pick FINALIST #2-Alisha
I vote for Alisha. Both stories are so touching, but I would like Alisha’s daughter’s to have something special to remember their mom by if she doesn’t make it. Will pray for them and for a miracle! Abi, you’re awesome! Just like your mom!
My vote is for Alisha…
Definitely Alisha. Those girls will treasure this long after their mom is gone.
Both of these stories really touched my heart. I have to vote for number 2. Alisha. My thoughts and prayers go out to her.
Alishia
BOTH! :)
I vote for Alisha her baby needs something to remember how loved she was by her mother.
Okay, this just isn’t right. Can’t they both win?! If I knew for certain that Alisha was going to beat this thing, I’d for sure vote for #1. They are such an amazing family, and I really hope someone will come along and capture their beautiful family before they leave for Kenya.
But in light of the tragic diagnosis of Alisha, I just have to vote for her. You are an amazing photographer/artist and I know you would be up to the challenge of capturing “time” for her daughters. Those photos will become one of their most treasured and priceless gifts, should they have to go through life with their mama in Heaven. Prayers are going up for Alisha, for sure! Hugs to all who love her.
<
Blessings,
~Tanya
Hard decision, but I’d go with finalist #1–Lisa and her family.
you gotta choose both!
I vote for Both!! You can do it. And if you can’t…call me, I’d be willing to chip in!
Blessings-
Amanda
manda2177@aol.com
I’m a first-timer commenting here… ; )
Lisa’s story just wow’d me…amazing woman!! But… Alisha’s story tugged at my heart. My vote goes to Alisha, it would be a wonderful gift not only for her but her daughters.
Can’t wait to see the pictures…whomever wins. : )
Many blessings,
Barbara
Orlando, FL
I vote for number 2. I believe these little girls will have a great stories to tell about their mom and they need pictures to go along with that story. Praying for both of these families.
Lisa sounds so amazing as I share her heart for Africa and wow, what a family. But, my dear friend’s husband died so young of cancer and a special photo session was such a gift to her and her children… So I have to vote for Alisha… Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us through your blog… God has blessed you indeed!
I vote for Alisha. She may not have much time left with her family and the girls and hubby will need those pictures to get through the dark days ahead.
alisha
I can’t imangine my kiddos with no mother and an infant at that.
How to choose? If everyone who could chipped in something, could you do them both?
I’m sure both are very deserving, but if I had to choose, it would be Alisha.
I would have to vote for alisha, although both stories are touching. I believe her little girls need beautiful photos to remember their mommy and how much she loved them.
Oh my goodness! The last one is heartbreaking! That one is my vote. By the way, I love your pictures so much! I myself, love photography, so I really appreciate them. Keep it up! :)
Wow, both are amazing women, with such great testimonies.
I am going to be praying for Alisha-our God is a miracle kind of God and I want her to see that in her life!
I bet Alisha would really get a good cheering by being picked. I vote for Alisha, though of course I’d love for Lisa to win too…as an adoptive mom, who is also not a lover of her picture being taken…I can see where it is a total blessing to have such a photo shoot,to *remember* by.
God bless Lisa as she journeys into all God has for her…I know He has many blessings to pour out over her life as she waits on Him.
Kimmie
mama to 7
one homemade and 6 adopted
I will vote for Alisha.
ALISHA!
AGAIN I MUST SAY YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING!!!!
MY VOTE IS FOR #2–ALISHA.
Alisha because she might not have the time to have her pictures taken later.
ALISHA…You probably noticed when you shot our Youngstown, OH May wedding that my husband’s mom was not there. She passed away from a sudden cancer discovery right before we met. The photos that he and his brothers and sisters have of her are their most prized possessions. Losing your mom is losing your mom…whether you’re 6 or 60.
Abi, you’re an amazing person. And an awesomely talented photographer. So glad I got to meet you.
Here’s something else I thought you may be interested in…a friend from high school is a photographer in Orlando, FL and has also been inspired to help others. http://www.imagesforacure.com
I don’t know how to choose. Both would result in blessings for each family.
I pick… Alisha. And I pray that somehow Lisa will have a chance too.
This is tough!!
Shelley
I vote for Lisa.
Can you bless both of them in some way? a mini shoot?
Thank you from the uk for being such a lovely daughter to such a fab mum!!! x
Alisha is my pick, hands down. I am a cancer survivor and know the difficult time that I had. This will give Alisha something to fight for, to know that she has tried everything for her children.
i vote for Finalist #1 – Lisa and her family.
I guess I cast my vote for Alisha. Really too hard to choose, though. Sounds like they both need it.
I could not help but cry as I read your post. You see, I know Alisha. Her older daughter and my daughter met the first day of kindergarten and have been “best” friends ever since. We have spent many nights this summer crying and praying for this beautiful family. Alisha, her husband, and two beautiful girls would be so blessed to receive this from you Abi. Thank you so much.
Although, having met Lisa and her wonderful family, I agree – it is hard to choose. Bless you for doing this.
Of course I can’t pick, but I guess if a mother is possibly dying, I would choose that one, so that the children can have some good memories of her. :( So sad. I will pray for both of these precious families!
Hey Abi, this is Megan (Benjie’s wife) from tRC. I vote for Alisha for a couple of reasons. First of all, the lady that inspired you to want to do this contest had cancer and you would be able to do this for another mom who has cancer! I know Alisha personally and have known her since high school. It would mean sooo much for her to have these photos and for her kids and husband to have them as well. I think it’s awesome that you’re doing this! Blessings to you!
i vote Alisha
I vote for Alisha & will be praying for her and the family in the chemo treatments.
Hi
I vote for Alisha! What a beautiful thing her children will have, a family portrait! I am praying that all works out very well for her and God performs a miracle on her behalf! But in case HIS plan is not to perform a miracle because he has other plans, well then this young family needs all the photos of thier mother with them to give them something to hold onto forever!
You are a beautiful person for doing this!
Lisa
I vote Alisha
I would like to vote for finalist #2 Alisha
My vote is for Alisha. Prayerfully the Lord will restore her body, but should he choose not too, it would be a precious gift to her husband and children to have this, at this point in their journey…. God bless them….
Both stories are moving & you are a phenomenal photographer, so my vote would be for you to do photoshoots for both families! What a legacy of love that you could capture for them to pass down to generations!
If I have to pick one, it would be Alisha’s story only because time is fleeting and her babies need to be able to see how beautiful their mother is…
As a mother of two (soon to be three) former orphans, my heart vote goes to Lisa.
I vote for Alisha.
i vote alisha
#2
I vote for Alisha. That story brought me to tears. She needs this to share with her daughters!
Alisha- these photos may be the most precious thing her young daughters have to keep memories of her.
Great stories and both are so deserving. I would like to vote though for Story #2 because there may not be a lot of time left for these little girls and having the pictures would be so important to them as they grow up!
Wow, what a tough choice. I think both definitely deserve some photos to cherish. Lisa will treasure her family photos.
i wish they could both win. or we could donate how much it would cost to purchase a setting. . .
but if i have to choose, i’d say alisha. her daughters may not have their mommy forever, and it would be a special gift to have. if she’s around for a long, long, time, they’ll all have a pictorial reference of when life was uncertain and difficult. i will be praying for this family!
Alisha
Both are so worthy, but I vote Lisa. She is remarkable choosing to go work with the orphans. I so get the issue with family pictures as I have three adopted Africans.
oh, my heart.
God has shown me a glimpse of his heart for orphans and i LOVE lisa’s story. i head to uganda in less than 2 weeks to meet our precious babies! and if my husband’s timing could trump God’s, he’d be living in south africa serving the orphans. now.
so although i REALLY want to say lisa…..my mama’s heart votes Alisha. i would want my girl’s to have gorgeous tangible memories of us. us living…doing our day-to-day, as well as gorgeous shots you dream up.
blessings to them all…including you!
I just have to vote for Lisa. She has had difficulty getting good pictures and they deserve to have talent such as yours to help them out. Hard choice but I really have to go with Lisa.
I vote for Alisha.
Hey Abi! Both stories are so touching. I am voting for #2. A dear friend of mine is in a very similar situation. Has an 8 year old daughter, is pregnant, due in 4 weeks, and was just diagnosed with breast cancer. They are taking the baby out this Friday…..my heart has been so heavy for thier whole family…But God is good and will redeem this situation. So, I am voting for #2. Those girls need pictures of thier mommy, no matter what happens….
God bless you, Abi, for taking the time to do this.
When I read Lisa’s story first, I was sure I would vote for her, because I love how she has chosen to approach her life and her disability, and I LOVE what she and her husband are choosing to do. Surely someone who has chosen to adopt special needs kids and is choosing to care for God’s orphaned kids in Kenya should be blessed by having your wonderful photos of her special family!
But when I read Alisha’s story, my heart ached, and I feel that she NEEDS the photo shoot more. I can’t imagine facing what she is facing, and I know your photo shoot would be a blessing to her and her family. And somehow, although I know Lisa would love to have the photo shoot, I think she would give it up for Alisha. I don’t know her, but somehow I just think she is that kind of person.
So far, it looks like Alisha is going to be the lucky winner. Does anyone know anyone who would do a photoshoot for Lisa?
Both are touching stories and seem deserving of the prize. However, I pick #2 – Alisha
I vote for Alisha!
Alisha….#2
I would have to say that the #2 finalist stole my heart. I am a young mommy of one, two and a half year old little love bug, and I can not imagine my life without my daughter, nor, I can not imagine that if I were in that situation with cancer would I not want to be photographed with my daughter, with the lingering thought that I may only have 6 months to a couple of years. I think that this is very poignant, and moving experience not only for the mother to have BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING pictures of her and her family but of her daughters as well, and to also have the memories for her daughters if anything happened to their mommy.
I am looking forward to Friday and finding out who your winner is!
Sincerely,
Britt
I’m voting for Alisha – praying for a miracle for her and knowing how treasured the pictures would be for her and her daughters.
I found it tough to make a choice where by choosing one, I would feel as though I am invalidating or not affirming the other equally deserving story. How about a fundraiser to make it possible for the other family who does not “win” to still be able to get a session? I would be totally willing to contribute to make it happen for the other family.
Hi,
I read your mom’s blog and I vote for Alisha because maybe winning this contest will bring some hope to her heart.
And might give you a chance to show the Love of Christ to her especially given her circumstances.
You do some amazing photographs dear! They are really lovely.
I went to your website last week I think it was, and the pics were breathtakingly beautiful. You truly have a great
talent. I have one lil suggestion for you tho.
Everyone who looks at your website is not necessarily a young person, I loved looking at
your photos but had a hard time because the music was very loud, my suggestion is lower the
volume just a bit~~or at least make it so someone can lower it themselves if needed.
Please don’t hear me criticizing…..trying to be helpful cause I think sometimes
people don’t realize how loud the volume is on their site.
Anyway, you have a really great day,
Blessings, Nellie
How do you pick just one wonderful women? I say why not do both? Im sure your heart would swell with pride to be able to take both there photo’s….I belive GOD had placed both these women in your lives so you may be touched by each of them differentley.
megan
I also need to vote for Alisha!!
This is very hard however having to pick I pick #1.
That is so not right! I was wishing we could afford to have you come to Ohio to take our pics but now I am wishing I had the money to send you to the one you don’t pick! Ok, I agree, Alisha should have something beautiful to get her through the hard days that lay ahead! Thank you for doing this! The apple sure doesn’t fall far from the tree! Sheri
Alisha, oh my goodness…
First let me say that what you are doing is amazing. I can’t imaging having to choose just to narrow it down. Both of these stories are moving. However, my vote is for #2. I am sure that these photos will be a treasure to that family forever. Blessings Sommer
Alisha is the one I vote for. Those pictures will be precious to her girls.
i vote for LISA
thanks for doing this abi. what a blessing
Oh this is such a tough decision, they are both such deserving families! But if I had to choose, I’d say the second story, Alisha! This is such a generous gift you are giving, your willingness to share your God-given talent is inspiring.
Oh my gosh…..this is a very tough decision BUT I vote for Alisha and her family.
Can’t wait till friday to hear the winner!
I say Lisa. I got chills reading her letter.
my vote is for #1
I vote for #2 Alisha. Thank you for showing us a picture of generosity! God Bless!
Both, I guess I’m too much like your mom. Wow, how did you ever get through reading these stories?
Both stories tug at my heart but my vote would have to be with finalist #1, Lisa and her family. While I was in Kenya with my family we visited many families who committed their lives to serving there and they really cherished the pictures of their family. I think it would be a wonderful gift to this family to document this time in their lives and provide them with pictures to cherish.
Both stories touched by heart. No wonder you had such a hard time narrowing them down. I want to vote for Alisha. Even though I loved both stories, Alisha is on a time clock. Lisa has more time. I hope all goes well for both.
Not an easy one, I guess you can only choose one:( I nominate Lisa. Prayers going out o 2 very special families!!
That’s a hard choice! But I vote Alisha.
so, deep down, i want both. what a special treat for family number 1 to have some beautiful pictures from you, pictures that will show their happiness and love and capture their spirit. but for family #2… my oh my. they truly do need some beautiful pictures of happiness in the stress that they are living and some pictures showing the love the mom has for her little girls. something that if their mom doesn’t survive this,t hat they will be able to hold onto forever and remember.
so, if i MUST choose one, my pick goes with family numero dos… i want those to have beautiful visiual memories of their momma.
Definately voting for #2
Hopefully #1 will have MANY more chances to win a photo shoot
Both familys are great but I have to vote for Alisha, those little girls need a picyure with their mommy no matter what happens!
I vote #2! Although I totally vote #1 as “Super Awesome Family!!!!” WoW and Praise God for both of these amazing women/families!
alisha
So………..hard but I vote for Alisha
I vote Alisha! Time is so precious, and photos of this family at this very time will be so treasured. I’ll be praying for them.
Both!!
But short of that…Alisha.
I agree with barclay, I vote for both of them. It is impossible to choose! *sigh*
I’m not sure what to say, except they both should have a photo shoot. Yes, I realize that is not what the original contest specified. And I’m glad I am not you at this point. This is too difficult of a decision for me to make.
However, you could look at it as being inspired by the woman who got away and do one in her honor, and then do the other just because it is what you wished you would have done in the first place with the woman who got away.
I seriously doubt you would regret doing both shoots.
That said, I have no idea what cost you’d be incurring in order to do these shots up right. However, I certainly, wholeheartedly believe without one single doubt, the Lord will provide a way to honor both women and their families if you choose to shoot them both. If I were you, which I am not, I’d bring it to the Lord in prayer.
I do not know your family at all. However, in reading your mother’s blog off and on for a year or so, I’d say she’s taught you many wonderful things from God’s word. I’m sure she would also offer excellent counsel on this matter…more than I, a total stranger, ever could.
I encourage you to throw caution to the wind, take a leap of faith, and just do both.
Ahh this is HARD! I see what you mean about not being able to choose yourself!
I think I have to go for Alisha. I can’t imagine what her family must be going through right now but I think her little girls need this.
So hard to choose between the two, but I have to choice #2 Alisha’s story.
I vote for Alisha. What a beautiful gift you are giving.
um, BOTH. i’m not sure how you choose! i guess if i HAD to pick one, it would be the last… sounds like it may be their last chance for photos. my heart is so sad for that family :(
alisha
Totally love the story of Alisha. Those pictures will be cherished, no matter what happens.
Both stories are very touching… but my vote goes to Alisha.
#2 !!!!!!!!!!
Hey From KY! I found you randomly through a friend… love your work :)
Can I send some money to help sponser the runner-up’s session? It wouldnt be alot b/c we are saving for our own adoption, but maybe a few other people would also like to sponsor a session – that way both women could have shoots – they both are deserving…. and for both, it seems like a need and not just a want….
Let me know what you think.
-addie
this is not really a vote, cause that would mean, in my mind, that someone’s story is not that important. they both are. but i must go for Alisha. i know that if i were one of the girls, i would want my photo with mama.
Abi, I wouldn’t be able to choose either, both of these stories are beautiful and touching. I think I will vote for Alisha, to capture her for her daughters is priceless.
The saddest part about Alisha’s story is the fact that the cancer was discovered during an ultrasound for her new baby. The irony is what crushes me. She must have gone into her ultrasound appointment loaded with excitement and energy, only to find out that she is also carrying something that may one day kill her. For the people who are close to Alisha, that moment was a life-altering force.
I do believe that Alisha and Lisa are both equally deserving of a photoshoot, however, Alisha NEEDS it more than Lisa does.
Therefore, my vote is for Alisha.
I have to put my vote in for Alisha. Life is incredibly precious and I’d love for her little girls to have beautiful pictures of and with their mom.
Sure you can’t let them both win? I think copying your Momma isn’t a bad idea… hehe… if you refuse than I vote for Alisha simply because she has less time to find other opportunities for pictures & less time for you to change your mind and come back and take her pictures also!
I think I have to vote for Alisha…powerful and makes you realize how precious life is.
I vote for #2.
I say you honor both of them, sorry too hard to choose!
oh these stories just took my heart for a ride.
i wish both could be chosen…
in the end, i think alisha’s daughters need something beautiful like this that they can look back on in future, whatever does happen. what a beautiful thing for them. her story broke my heart into pieces. she is in my prayers.
I vote for Alisha.
My grandfather died unexpectedly last September, and I’m so grateful that my daughter has a few pictures taken with him before they realized he had cancer. He was diagnosed in August, and died just a few weeks later.
As hard as this may be to imagine, best case scenario is that she does get to watch her daughters grow up. However, in the event that she doesn’t, these pictures would mean the world to the family, and give them even more memories to hold onto.
We wish we had had that chance with my grandfather.
Robert and Jackie met at work…. and fell in love at work. When the time was right, Robert put his heart into planning the perfect proposal. He took Jackie to Catalina Island for the day, and professed his undying love to his love in the heart of the quant little town. …He told her he…
show 2 comments
I actually live a few hours away, but totally would drive down for OSP get togethers and shoots!
Beautiful! Love that first picture!
…just a note to all of you interested in my contest for a deserving family/individual.. I have extended the deadline, and will choose a winner by September 1st!! So get your writing on. Nominate someone!! Anyone. It can be for yourself, your sister, or someone who’s blog you follow! Doesn’t matter. Big person, small person,…
show 2 comments
Ohh ohh ohh! A winner will be announced today!! Right?
I almost feel a little lame for doing this. The only reason I feel like I might be deserving of this, is because I give away lots…I mean lots. Free or discounted photo shoots, lessons, cards, you get the point. I am even going to try to become a photographer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I haven’t yet submitted my application, but it is on my list of things to do this week. Along with take a meal to a sick family from are church . Spend time with my sister who is in from out of town. Finsih the final touches on my grandma’s 80th birthday party that I orchestrated, planned, and put together. yikes, as I was just re reading that it almost sounds like I’m making it up. But I’m not I promise. The only reason I’m not nominating some one else is because I don’t know of anyone who lives in your area. However me and husband are coming to California for our 8th wedding anniversary in December. I have been dreaming of doing a photo shoot of just the two of us now that we have three little boys. Honestly, more than anything I want a reason to get dressed up, get my hair and make up done. Feel young, beautiful, and in love again. Maintaing my feminity has become more important to me the older I have gotten. Maybe it’s just that I’m surrounded by boys on all sides. Don’t get me wrong I love them more than anything. Sometimes it would be nice to just be Lori. Thanks for considering me/us.
Lori
show hide 9 comments
Lisette Price - Just gorgeous! I love the light in your photos and all the little moments that are captured perfectly!
~LL - they are beautiful. i love the one of the green leaves in the glass…who would think of such an amazing shot? only you!
Lorene Bernatowicz - I knew at the wedding you were taking extraordinary pictures and you out did yourself. You captured fabously what their beautiful wedding was. One filled with good friends, family, laughter and love! Thanks you are great!
Heather Lynne - Your work is beautiful!
meghan - I can’t help but love it… amazing can’t even describe!
Barb - Hi, I’m one of your Mom’s bloggy friends – and I’d like to vote for Alisha.
You do a wonderful job with your photography!!
Barb
Debbi - This is my favorite!
Amber - WOW! Amazing as always! You just know how to capture the moment. I think you need to do a post with some songs that you like to listen to. You have some great music.
Rebecca - Beautiful photos!