Heart. That is what this family has a lot of, and that is what this family has been fighting for, for a long time. Watching this family laugh together and smile non-stop, filled my heart with humble gratitude. Knowing them, and knowing their fight and story, made the time together beyond enjoyable for me. Not only did Jamie’s family come, but her sweet in-laws came as well, which was the cherry on top! This family is the epitome of fight, and they resemble love in the darkest moments. I’m so thankful that they shared their heart with me.

Mason was born with a congenital heart defect.

A defect called Truncus Arteriosus. This is when, instead of two vessels in the heart, Truncus Arteriosus is characterized by one large vessel arising from the base of the heart. A ventricular septal defect (VSD), or hole in the heart, is almost always present as well. He had his first open heart surgery at seven days old to close the hole in his heart and untangle the pulmonary artery from the aorta. He has had three heart catheterizations and a second open heart surgery since then to replace the conduit and patch his pulmonary artery. Mason is a miracle, and the Buchwald family journey hasn’t been easy, but their family has learned more than they could have ever imagined. I know all of this because Mason and his sweet family are in my up-coming Children’s Book!

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So, this session was pure joy for me! However, one of my favorite parts was when I got to watch the boys with their grandparents. Talk about the look of total love. The smiles in those moments were organic and of a beautiful love between generations. The hugs and laughter was everything my heart needed! But once the boys stepped out, getting to photograph the grandparents by themselves was my favorite part! Their embrace with each other spoke volumes of their love story that I got to hear so much of. Hands down, this was one of my favorite sessions!

Jamie, thank you so much for sharing your family’s story with me through my book and this session. I am so thankful for your beautiful family, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you all

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