I love, and I mean LOVE, Neville & Laurel and their girls. Laurel and I had babies together. We’ve folded each other’s laundry and done each other’s dishes. I’ve seen Laurel more without makeup than with it. We’ve cried on each other’s shoulder and cheered each other on. We’ve sang together, swung each other’s babies and shared some embarrassing stories. Laurel is one of my dearest friends and I adore Neville.

They had me fly out to Denver to capture family life. What a treat. They are the hosts of all hosts. Their gift of hospitality is something everyone on this earth should experience. Neville kept me caffeinated, carbed up and standing in awe at how he cares for Laurel. I must have heard him say “Whatever you want, Laurel,” 20 times. She’s fighting a VERY brave battle against breast cancer. Her days are up and down and my hope is that I was able to bring a little bit of joy to Denver while we spent the weekend with each other. It was the perfect time together, with lots of talking around the table, (which is my favorite thing to do with them) reminiscing and once again, holding each other up.

The girls were simply breathtaking. But not in their outward appearance, although as you can see, they don’t lack much! Their beauty runs so deep. Baby Leah…what a doll. Lindsay, so full of maturity and smiles, is doing a superb job being a mommy , just like Laurel is to her. Jenny, so full of life, like she has always been; is just a fountain of exuberance. And Caleigh, the same cutie pie that used to run around my house looking for her “Hollie friend” is soon off to Paris for the summer. They grew too fast for my liking….but hey…

Laurel & Nev, I simply love you. I felt like I was in the company of angels and being in your home was such a holy place. Thank you for blessing me with an opportunity to see and capture the real you. I hope you love your photos as much as I loved taking them. You bless me more than you know.

Here’s the slideshow of the full length photo shoot…if you want to watch it again for the 1000th time!  ;o)

All of my love,

Treacy

Update: You never know what a lasting impact actions have. 3 weeks after this shoot, Laurel was back in the hospital with the cancer spreading to the liver and brain. As my closest friend Linda said yesterday on FB, “As I write this, it appears that Laurel is losing a long-fought battle with cancer, but I hesitate to use the word “losing” because she has loved much and is finishing well. She has overcome fear and pain and has met them with the sweetest smile you could ever imagine. That smile will forever be a testimony to me when I think I’m having a bad day.”

I spoke with Neville this morning, as Laurel is resting comfortably at home for the remainder of her days here on earth, and through many tears we shared stories, and deep heartfelt words that can only be shared on a day like today. In the way that only Neville can do, he continues to care for her with music, open curtains to let in the sunlight, reading and talking to her constantly of his undying devotion and love. The girls have been reading to her and singing for her, even though she sits motionless…conserving all her energy for breathing. I have no doubt that she hears every single word. Neville shared through breathless utterances (my paraphrase), “Because you came, we had two extra days with Laurel because she forced herself to stay awake. Those photos…they’re the greatest gifts I’ve ever received in my life. I just can’t tell you how appreciative I am. What a blessing to have them. You have no idea.” So, was posing, lighting, time of day, having my indispensible reflector handy, and the right lens important…of course.  But the most important thing was being there.

Laurel will be in heaven soon, and I know I will see her beautiful face again. I had no idea that four weeks ago, as we talked of future plans and dreams, that it was going to be the last time I’d see her…that I was documenting something so fragile and utterly important. That this would all come so soon. That Neville and the girls would need this so much.

THIS is why I do what I do.

UPDATE 1-13-2011:  Laurel passed away just a few hours after posting this blog.  I’ll miss her forever.