Lindsey messaged me in November about expecting her 3rd baby - she had two boys at home, but they were expecting their first girl close to Christmas. She wondered about timing and cost and all things in between... I sold myself short, as I often do... (character flaw, I'm working on it) and we didn't talk again.
A couple weeks passed as I started to think about my year in review and I looked back on some newborn pictures I had taken... My confidence being built back up, I emailed Lindsey and confessed my guilt for talking myself down and I wanted to book her if she were able and still wanted me. How grateful am I that she hadn't found another photographer! She said she would let me know...
I didn't hear from her for a few weeks... And then, a message on facebook!
"Hi Sarah! I know this is a long shot because it's so late, however I was wondering if there was anyway you could do a newborn session for me? My daughter was born on Sunday (Christmas Day)"
"WHAT! YESSS!! YAY!! OF COURSE!! Like, duh. I'm so excited!" --- She trust me with her newborn session!
When I first got to Lindsey's house I was amazed at how neat everything was! She just had her third baby! I, myself, can remember the chaos and obnoxious mess right after we had our 3rd. Well, my mom was there to help the first two weeks - by the 3rd week, S was hittin' the fan.... Literally, possibly. I thought to myself, her mom must have been here - I forgot to ask if she had any help...
When I got to work the next day - a fellow hairstylist came up to me and reminded me that Lindsey's her client! We talked of how we love her and how sweet baby Quinn is when Brittany, my co-worker, says "Her mom passed away a few years ago, they named their baby girl after her.".... what? I immediately remembered Lindsey's smile, her clean floors and her patience... "SHUT UP!"- I said to Brittany... We talked about how sad that made us and how proud her momma would be as we parted ways. I couldn't stop thinking about Lindsey...again. Her smile... not one ounce of sadness, though it's been years, and maybe it wasn't "one of those days", it doesn't matter! Her smile... it was pure happiness, so genuine. Y'all, her patience! Mind you she has two older boys... and they were playing games on the ipad and you know how you feel when you loose a game..(!!) She just smiled the entire time. I thought of how proud I am of her! Some mommas can't help but stress, but she never batted an eye. Go momma, go!
Today I finished Quinn's newborn session and I couldn't help but ask to say some things about Lindsey's mom. I know I don't know her personally - but I know how proud I would be to speak about my own mother. I also know how it would make my mom cry happy tears to see me doing well. I know she would be proud of the woman and mother I had become. She would miss me, like I would miss her.
" She was the most kindhearted, thoughtful, selfless person I've ever known! She was my biggest supporter, my. #1 fan... and my best friend! She was a fighter and never let having breast cancer stop her from doing anything!... No one EVER had an ugly thing to say about her...She was just awesome. She was only 51 when she passed... She never really told me how bad it was because that was just like her, she didn't want anyone feeling sorry for her or to worry about her! I got to come home and spend the last two months with her before she passed on December 7th, 2005. My dad and mom were high school sweethearts...they were married for over 30 years...She never got to meet Bradley, my kids never got to hear her voice...My mom loved,loved,loved Christmas. She passed away right before Christmas in 2005, it's always put a little sadness in the day for me, but Quinn was born on Christmas day 2016!..We know she is at peace in heaven with Jesus and that gives me comfort. Most of the time (now) I only have happy memories but not having her around with my kids is BY FAR the hardest part. I just hope that I can be half the mom she was and that I'm making her proud! " - Lindsey
Lindsey with her momma circa 80's
I couldn't imagine anyone being more proud of you than your mom, Lindsey. Your grace and welcome - your joy and compassion... It's written all over your face. The love your husband and children have for you radiates throughout your home. It's something so many hope for! I can't even IMAGINE how proud your father is of the woman you've become. I'm sure in ways you've probably helped him, too. I hope to watch Quinn grow - I hope she favors your momma and I hope you never loose sense of her being around.
I can't wait to visit you and your sweet family again! <3
So glad we reached out to one another - even if I was way unprofessional and you last minute - lol - you were a blessing in so many more ways than I realized at the time. You're one inspiring, momma. <3
To see this full session, click here.
