The legacy session: Creating a legacy of memories with our family

This is a very special blog, shared with the permission of this beautiful family.

I am often asked to create images with families going through transitions, and we tend to focus on the births and weddings, but there are so many other milestones in a family’s life, and I think it is a beautiful thing, to honor every phase. From the moment Kate reached out to me about taking pictures with her mother and brother, I knew our hearts were aligned, in the spirit of this moment.

As a mother myself, I hope to keep making cookies and dancing in the kitchen with my children, for as long as possible– I know how special these simple things are, in our hearts and memories, what a gift our mothers and children are, and I’m so honored when a family reaches out in the midst of a life-changing diagnosis, to capture and preserve the moment as they walk through it. These types of sessions are filled with emotion unlike any other, and the images we create are an honest beacon of love and being present with each other, which is often cathartic in the moment, and a comfort as time goes by.

I am sharing a peek of this legacy session, to chip away at the stigma of the unknown and fear some families go through during major life transitions. There is a powerful and gentle grace, in allowing ourselves to feel deeply during times of change, and being available to each other along the way.

Heidi was diagnosed with glioblastoma this Spring, and in the words of her children, that “just turned the volume up louder on the song we were already singing.”

In Kate’s words: “Lots of children believe they have the best mom in the world, and John and I are no exception. In our case, though, it happens to be true–even our friends tell us so! John and I know (every second of every day) how loved we are. We know that we have our mother’s unwavering support; that she will listen to us when we are sad, revel with us when we are joyous, and catch us when we fall. She is the constant in our lives, and the steady heartbeat of our family. When our mom was diagnosed with cancer, it was the ultimate body blow. There have been moments of bottomless sadness for John and I as we’ve watched her endure months of tests, surgery, and heavy duty drugs. But our mom has approached it with her usual grace and endless good humor, all while staying curious about what comes next, finding gratitude in the many places it lives, and pouring love into the world wherever she can. Even during the fight for her life, our mom manages to lead the way for us, her kids, by modeling the behavior that will carry us through. We are so grateful to Jamie for capturing our mom’s strength and beauty during our session with her. We will treasure these photos always, because they show us what matters most: the infinite love between us. And her famous chocolate chip cookies!”

Thank you so much, Heidi, for allowing me to share images from our session. I know the strength in your heart inspires your children, and others, as we walk alongside you in this journey. You are loved!

xo,

Jamie

Legacy Session | Jamie Lucido Photography

Jamie Lucido is a family and wedding photographer based in Charlotte, NC. serving the Carolinas and vacation destinations worldwide.

Jamie offers family, wedding, engagement, and documentary photography. Serving the Charlotte, Belmont, and Lake Norman areas including: South Park, Myers Park, Midwood, Berewick, Madison Park, Stonehaven, Dilworth, Starmount, Kingsbridge, Cameron Wood, NoDa, Commonwealth, Barclay Downs, Ballantyne, Highland Creek, Eastover, Foxcroft, Montibello, Wendover-Sedgewood, Hembstead, Park Crossing, Mountainbrook, Freedom Park, Providence Crossing, Denver, Davidson, Matthews, Ft. Mill, Waxhaw, Tega Cay. Jamie is available for travel and destination photography outside of the Carolinas, please inquire for details!

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Jamie Lucido Photography, LLC | www.jamielucidophotography.com