Photographer, Educator, Student, Mother & Wife Obsessed with sharing moments through pictures & words
“I think I’ve discovered the secret of life – you just hang around until you get used to it.” ~Charles Schultz I spent another day at the hospital with my baby boy. I suppose it’s quickly becoming a home away from home that we’re trying to accept. Chance and I made the most of the […]
You have such a beautiful family!! <3
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” ~Maya Angelou I know many of you have been waiting for an update. Before I share moments from today I thought I’d take a brief moment to share something quite special to our family this year…the Walk-n-roll […]
by Amanda Kern
5 comments
These pictures are so precious! I enjoying seeing that cute little guy, by himself, and with his siblings.
I’m praying that all goes well and that you all have peace.
Be well, take care, and know that God is looking out for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing your family with all of us. Our prayers are constant that you all will remain as strong and full of courage, helping Chance, as he helps you; and that your faith will only be strengthened by all of this.
Chance’s picture is darling – he does not look a bit sick. It’s wonderful how he can take all this medical stuff and still smile that charming smile. Have been in prayer for him and hope for the very best results. Praying for strength and patience for the whole family. May God grant you an extra portion of His grace and comfort.
If love within a family were the only commanding force, Change would be named Slam Dunk. The love your pictures show what power you all convey to Chance. While the pictures are truly beautiful what they represent goes far beyond each captured moment… it speaks of the love that will always bind you as a family. You are all amazing.
Dear Amanda,
I am sitting at work and came upon your site and am very touched and moved by your familys story. Your Chance reminds me so much of my son and grandson. My son and his wife live in Davenport and will be delivering a son, Noah, at Arnold Palmer, with spina bifida in late November. We will pray for you and your family and sent as much love to you as we can. Thank you so much for sharing this story with the world. I am typing this thru tears and gaining strength at the same time. I live in Michigan and during this trying time, knowing there is such a good hospital for them to be in, helps a lot. God Bless you all. Monti Kelly
“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief…and unspeakable love.” ~Washington Irving I find myself a little perplexed to find the words to once again write to update you all on my baby […]
by Amanda Kern
6 comments
Dear Chance and family, Your little friend Mason is finally getting to know some of his family in NY. So therefore we are seeing all of your posts through Mary. I sat here with tears rolling down my face as I was reading your posts. I believe that God gives families special children like Chance and Mason for a reason. Here he is proving yet another setback has happened that he is still guiding the surgeons with their decisions on what is best for Chance. I’m sure you are asking why but we have to remember that God is in control as Chance is his child too. Have faith dear one as God is not done with Chance he still has plans for his life. We are praying here at our church. May God continue to give you the strength you need to get through each day.
Oh Amanda, I am so sorry! Since trading emails yesterday I have been looking at the beautiful pictures that you take and reading your blog. Your writing is so eloquent! Well, I am not eloquent, I don’t have the gift of putting my thoughts and feelings into such beautiful words. That is okay! What I do have is the gift of knowing what you are going through. I know the thoughts and fears that are going through your head right now! I know the sleepless nights, the worry about what is next and the stress that this puts on the rest of the family. Amanda, I know we have not met yet, but, Dominick and I are in the area for one of his appointments and would like to visit you and Chance and share with you another gift I have. I give great hugs! I just want to wrap my arms around you and let you draw from it what you need, whether it is a moment to just let go and cry or to grab some added strength to replenish yours that has been tested these last weeks, what ever you need. It would be a short visit as I have to get Dominick home so I can go to work. Please let me know if this is okay.
Dear Amanda!!! I do not know you but as I followed Nicole’s link to your blog and read about poor baby Chance’s trials I cried! It quickly brought me back to my dear Aiden’s first year of life when we were in and out of the hospital with infections due to a dermoid cyst entangled in his spine! Aiden underwent 5 surgeries including one in utero before he was born to close the “hole”! As I read your words my heart ached for you, your husband and Chance as I relived countless hours spent hovering at Aiden’s hospital bed! God does have a plan…at times it IS impossible for us to understand it and it can feel like perhaps He isn’t there…HE is! He knows you and your family and He loves you very very much! He will not give us more than we can handle although at times it may feel that way! You are a strength and example to many as you endure these trials and Chance will be an amazingly strong and resilient little boy as he learns from your example! Our family is praying for you and yours! I am here if EVER you would like someone to talk or vent to! I hope to meet you and Chance some day soon! You are AMAZING!!!
Love!!!!
Jamie Beers
Dear Amanda, Jason, and Chance, I am lifting you up in prayer. God does hear you even when it really doesn’t feel like He is listening. It is OK to be angry – He understands that too. I know that your willingness to share your pain and your moments of joy has blessed many many people since Chance was born. I wish I could put my arms around you and hold you up for awhile. Please know that I am holding you up in prayer and give sweet Chance a kiss from his great Aunt Deb.
Dear Amanda, I have been right where you are about 11 years ago, but with different circumstances. My heart breaks for you and your precious little boy. He is so beautiful!!!! You hang in there sweetheart! Our God is the great healer! Unfortunately his timing is not the same as ours. I pray that He will lift you up and give you all the strength and courage that you need to get through this very difficult time in your lives. I am Scott Gower’s Mama and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! With much love, Sha Sha Gower
Its 5am….I’m up can’t sleep…all I can do is cry,cry,cry….this is my first tyme sharing wat I’m going through….my six mon old is a beautiful,happy,baby that soon has 2 b shunted due 2 a unknown reason of hydro….smh…..I want the strength u have….how do u take a baby AS BEAUTIFUL AS URS in for yet another surgery?….I know it helps them but his darling face makes me wanna hold him and let noone touch….hang in there he is a angle…Trezure and I have u guys in our prayer..as I ask u do the same for us…..hang in there
“I’ve never tried to block out the memories of the past, even though some are painful. I don’t understand people who hide from their past. Everything you live through helps to make you the person you are now.” ~Sophia Loren A year ago today my doctor called to let me know that prenatal tests lead […]
by Amanda Kern
2 comments
A year ago little did you know just how blessed you were going to be. Isn’t life beautiful!!!
LOVE the side by side profile pics, Amanda. You are blessed with a beautiful baby (and family), and really have touched many, many lives. Lord be with you all!
“Everyone wants happiness, no one wants pain. But you can’t have a rainbow with out a little rain.” ~unknown Today we finally got to come home from the hospital. I thought you all would enjoy just a few final moments we spent in the hospital today. Here’s my baby boy just hanging out waiting to […]
by Amanda Kern
1 comment
Amanda,Sorry to read that you and your family had such a challenging weekend! Glad to hear things went well and your Chance is now home! I hope and pray your wishes come true! Take care!
by Amanda Kern
1 comment