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.

Winter Scenes from Ashe

All of us would agree that Ashe County has beautiful scenery. Below are some images I captured from our recent snow. If you are interested in purchasing a print for your home or office, contact me @ 336-982-4600. Any of the scenes below would look fabulous in a gallery wrap, a canvas print, or a giclee print. Hi-resolution or low-resolution files are also for sale.

Images posted are property of Susan Roark Photography. All images and content on this blog are copyright protected. Clients, friends and family may use the images for screensavers, wallpaper, MySpace, etc. as long as our logo remains intact and visible. Please keep in mind that it is against the law to copy, print or save to your computer any and all images on this site without permission.

Lee & Katlyn

A new love! Nah! Lee and Katlyn have been together for two years and wanted to have professional studio portraits made. Don't they make a beautiful couple?

Levi

A new year....a new life.

I can't think of a better way to start the new year than by photographing a new life. Yes, he's three months old, but his life has just begun. Levi's grandma brought him to the studio for his first professional photo shoot. Levi seemed to really enjoying having his photo made and he only took two breaks: one to eat and one for a diaper change. LOL