Kelly Chandler

I had another shoot for Soulumination on Sunday…it was at Seattle Children’s Hospital.   I’ve photographed families for Soulumination throughout the fall, but each was a child with Leukemia and the sessions were on location. This was my first shoot inside Seattle Children’s Hospital.  I wasn’t sure how I’d respond, but I knew there was no better way to honor my son Grant (who ironically would have been 12 years old that same day).  I also knew I would be giving the Mother and siblings of this 9 year old child a gift that would last forever.  

Unable to speak, open his eyes or move much at all, this little boy has endured more than many of us will in a lifetime.  From a photography perspective the session couldn’t have gone better.  It took a little negotiation to get the younger siblings to do exactly what I’d like.  Visualize me giving them a “wagon” ride - (the carts to transport items back and forth in the hospital) around the hallways after they cooperated for photos.  In the end I captured touching moments between each child and their brother.  I know they will cherish these when they are older and can grasp what an amazing 9 years this little boy has battled.  My favorite shots are of mother and son snuggled up together in his bed.  You can feel so many of her emotions just looking at the images. 

I left the session feeling emotionally exhausted.  I felt anger at the disease, sadness for the siblings, a full heart from witnessing the unconditional love of a grief filled mother, and gratefulness for the health of my own children.  

I knew when I joined Soulumination that I was giving the gift of my photography talents to families who might not otherwise think to document the final moments in little lives.  But what I didn’t realize was the gifts I’d be receiving from these families.  I am constantly reminded that the little things in life really don’t matter.  My prayers go out to this little boy and his family as they search to find peace in this unbelievable struggle.