Lincoln Ian Mack | Iowa City Family Photographer

Let me preface this by saying that some of these images are going to be hard for some people to view.

Please excuse me while I write this, a blubbering mess, after a week of absolute heartache for my sister and her family.  I’m not sure I can be eloquent (ever) while dealing with so many emotions.

What does it mean to me to be a photographer?  It means being able to handle the most amazing and the most difficult of situations while capturing memories for families and friends to remember.  Forever.  This includes photographing your own family when they need it most.

On July 2nd, 2016, after 10 days of what the Mack Family was told was a virus, Ashleigh and Ian took their 4 month old, Lincoln, to the ER. He was diagnosed with a sub-form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) called Pure Erythroid Leukemia (PEL).  Over the following 4 months, Lincoln had to endure what most grown men can’t, and he showed everyone every day how strong he truly was – with a smile on his face every step of the way.  Lincoln Mack at 8 months passed away in his mothers arms, with his dad at his side, after his courageous battle on Sunday, October 30, 2016.  He definitely knew how much he was loved.

This is where the “photographer in me” mentions the conversation I had with Ashleigh last night after Lincoln’s burial.  When these family photos were taken, Ashleigh had been in the Hospital with Lincoln for weeks.  He had a few days home with family where we quickly jumped at the chance to do a session.  (We had no idea he wouldn’t leave the hospital again.)  His immune system was very weak, so we only had about 20 minutes outside.  Ashleigh, like most women I know, was so concerned with how she looked.  Because she put those feeling aside and took these photos anyway, she said she is thankful.

This beautiful little boy’s smile could light up a room.  Please feel free to leave any comments below for this sweet family.

xoxo,

Steph