Miss Piggy and Norah

December 1972. I was twelve years old and probably had outgrown dolls. My Aunt was expecting her second child, she already had a son.

This was before ultrasound. If you wanted to know the sex of your baby, you just had to wait until he/she was born. I was praying for a girl! When the call came early in the morning, my father answered the phone and gave me the good news! It WAS a girl! My heart nearly leaped out of my chest! Then he turned around and told me he was just kidding, the baby was a boy. Can you say devastated? I had three brothers and needed a girl in my life. My Aunt lived within "hollering" distance so I could see the baby often. My father let me stew on it for a few minutes and once again told me he was kidding, the baby was absolutely a girl. By this point, I would just have to see for myself.

Well, a girl it was and her name was Gillian. She was precious. By the time she was three years old, I was styling her hair, applying makeup, giving manicures. She still talks about those manicures and how much they hurt. After she was "dolled" up, I would sit her against the wall, put a bare bulb lamp next to her, make her pose and take her photo. I had so much fun with her. Sometimes I would play the piano and teach her and her brother disney songs. They could sing quite well!

While Gillian was growing up the Muppets were very popular on television. They loved the muppets and somehow Gillian got the nickname Miss Piggy, a name I still affectionately call her.

Fast forward January 18, 2011.

Gillian and her husband Brian welcomed Miss Norah Brynn Hampton into the world. Born at 7:44 p.m. she weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz and she was 21 inches long.

Today, I visited with Norah and her parents and took a few photos. I also stole a little of that good baby sugar and I offered to paint her nails.

Congratulations to Gillian and Brian. I love you both and couldn't be happier for you!



Brian Hampton is the head football coach at North Surry High School. In the last photo, Norah is pictured with a football and her late grandfather's Appalachian letter jacket.





Click on the photo to enlarge!

Blake again!

Remember this little guy? I haven't blogged since I posted the story on Blake way back in March, so I suppose it is time for an update.

Many of you probably know about Blake and his battle with a cancerous tumor. He has been through radiation, chemotherapy, and lost his hair, but never his spirit. He is a strong-willed young man.

He didn't have it easy. He had days he would not or could not eat. He spent many days in the hospital and couldn't go to school. Many prayer requests were made and many prayers were said for him.

Thankfully, those prayers were heard. God is good! Blake's tumor is DEAD! He has returned to school and is returning to a normal life.

If you see Blake, give him a high-five and a hug. He really likes hugs!



Blake with sister Megan, older brother Josh and cousin Seth.

Blake's story

Preface:
Facebook entry for March 30, 2010.
Susan Roark Photography I'm out the door for a photoshoot. I just hope I can keep from crying.


THE STORY

What photographer cries at a photoshoot? I have, many times, especially at weddings. I feel the love and joy that the couple is feeling and my emotions overtake me. Those are always happy tears and those are the best kind. Tears of joy, tears of love, tears of a new life beginning. A new home, a new family, the never ending circle.


My tears for Blake were different. They were tears of despair, worry, and dread.

Blake is only 10 years old. I met Blake and his siblings (Megan and Josh) two years ago and fell completely in love with them. They are the sweetest children, so mannerly and well-behaved.



Blake always calls me Miss Susan. When I first met him, I told him that when he grew up, we could get married and he said "ok". I didn't want to burst his bubble and tell him I was already married, but I'm sure he was playing me harder than I was playing him. The little stinker!



A few weeks ago, Blake developed a pain in his upper leg. The pain was worse at times, but always persistent. Blake's grandparents took him to the doctor for tests. I'm not sure of all the details, but a biopsy was done and it was determined that Blake has a cancerous tumor.

Blake's medical team wasted no time in preparing for the treatment of this tumor. The doctors plan to fight this tumor "aggressively". Blake will have to take chemotherapy treatments and spend a lot of time in the hospital.

I had a chance to talk to Blake about his tumor. Does it hurt (the tumor), are you scared, did your Grandma cry? These were all questions that I asked a 10 year old boy. He answered each one and if he were 21. Such a little man! After our conversation, I was thankful for the sunshine and thankful for the sunglasses that hid my tears from this precious little boy. He seemed so strong, I didn't want him to see me weak.



Yesterday was Blake's last day of school for a while. He will be out of school for the next 10 months, and maybe longer. His friends and teachers showered him with love, hugs, and wishes for a speedy recovery.

I am going to follow Blake's progress closely. I am going to be his prayer warrior. I am going to pray every day that Jesus wrap his loving arms around Blake and take the pain from him, pray that the chemo doesn't make him sick, pray he doesn't lose his hair, and most of all, pray that the tumor will be completely abolished never to return again.



I called Blake's grandma and told her I would like to take a few photographs before Blake started his treatment. She was more than willing for me to visit at their home and spend an hour just walking, talking, and taking photographs. I want Blake to choose a photo of his choice to keep with him during his treatments and stays in the hospital. I want him to know that his family is there for him........supporting him and loving him.



I'll be there also Blake, if only in spirit. I love you my little friend!

Cinderella

Well, that's what I call her. She calls me the wicked step-mother and probably has a reason. I once shut her up in the attic and made her promise to clean her bathroom before I would let her out. It was all in fun.

I knew Ashley long before I knew her daddy and I loved her then. I love her more now. She is a great step-daughter and a great sister to her "brothers".

Ashley, I had a great time hanging out with you and taking your portraits.

Friends

Danny, Nicole, Nathan and Alicia all spent an afternoon braving the wind and the blowing snow for their winter portraits. It was FREEZING but we had a great time finding new places for photos.

The Baldwin Family

Visiting with Tina and William and their sons brought back memories of when my boys were little.

I arrived early at their home for their photo shoot and had the joy of playing "soldiers" with Sawyer while Mason was quietly watching tv. The most fun was outdoors in the snow...taking photos of Sawyer and his icicle and Mason with Rainbow the dog. There is nothing like children to put a smile on your face.

I hope you enjoy a peek of The Baldwin family snow portraits.

Falon & Derek

I took a few minutes to create a slideshow using photos from Falon and Derek's engagement and wedding sessions!

Slideshows can be produced from my photos or yours. Give me a call....let's talk about getting your personal photos put in a slideshow and burnt to a Dvd. It's a great way to honor your parents 50th anniversary, your baby's first year, a high-school senior (let's see those kindergarden photos) or any memory you would like preserved. I can work directly from your photos, no digital file needed.