As many of you know, Flashes of Hope means so much to me! I went on my 26th birthday to take pictures of the most amazing children. It literally changed my life. The other day I got to my desk and found they had sent me this...
It sits right by my phone on my desk so I can see it every day.
After it came I looked to see if any of my photos were on their website... and they were!
I am so proud!
The thing about taking pictures for Flashes of Hope is this. Anytime I take a picture, I make a connection with the subject. I learn about it, and I feel like I know something about it, even if it's only for that split second. That happened with these children. it is so amazing to see them through a camera. For one second they are not sick... they are children. All their sickness is lifted, and for that moment they shine. it is an amazing thing to see.... The hard part is that I made a connection with each of these children, and that was it. I had to pack up my things and we all had to go back to our own lives. it's not fun. I had to go back and work on the photos for hours and hours, wondering all the time what was going on with the children.
I was especially taken with one child. Her name is Isabelle. I actually had her pictures ready before anyone else's. I adored her. She was so happy. She laughed and was all smiles. She got this little rattle and was playing with it. There was so much joy. Her dad was there with her. You could tell how close they were. He was watching her with these eyes brimming over with love and admiration. Isabelle was not shy. She was enjoying her time in the spotlight, and you could just tell what a happy child she was. When I photographed I thought, "this child is loved."
Isabelle is always in the back of my mind. I think about her every day. I always wonder how she is doing. Isabelle changed my life.
As you all know, I am not a writer.... I am a photographer. I hope these photos show how much love I felt for this child.
As if my prayers were answered, Isabelle's cousin contacted me through my giveaway.
I was so excited. I actually ran to show my boyfriend the comment. I couldn't even talk I was so excited. I said "flashes...you know the girl I love..." and he said "Isabelle?" and I threw the computer in his lap....
Then, Isabelle's mom left a comment on my Top 20 Photographs post.
My prayers were answered.
The problem is that I can't get back in touch with them.... If you are out there and reading this, please please send me an e-mail.
I want to send you more pictures!! I had a limit on what I could send. I really want to know about how she is doing...
ALSO, if anybody out there knows any of the children I photographed, can you please ask them to get in touch with me? I think about all the children every day. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I really connected with each and every child. Please send them my way. I really want to know how they are doing.
With the most joyful heart,
Blayne
P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway