The Wright Family

This session is very, VERY special and will always have a place in my heart. Kristina and her family are such an inspiration in every way- Brace yourself, this will be a looooooong post- so sit back, grab a drink and a snuggly blanket and get comfortable :)



Kristina is one of those walking miracles that I count myself so lucky to have touched my life. She is one more example of God’s hand in working for His glory. I can remember it like it was yesterday, A simple phone call to my sister-in-law led to such an unexpected blessing! When Shay shared Kristina’s story with me, we were both crying with one another. Shay wanted to book a session for them as a surprise, I told her I would be thrilled but insisted it must be a gift, no payment was necessary.  I believe in my heart that God blessed me with a passion and talent for photography and I will always pay that forward in using my gifts to bless others.

I was totally blown away with Kristina’s story and so in awe of how God chose to work. When I was little and first learning about Jesus and God, I was so enthralled with the miracles that Jesus preformed. Growing up I always wondered why I could not see a blind man healed, the deathly sick reformed with just a touch of His robe- I was honestly a little jealous of the disciples for getting all that first hand experience. But, then Jesus carried us through this past year with everything that happened with Adam, his surgery and his ongoing recovery. Adam is my own miracle and now so soon after to hear of such another great work that God has done with Kristina, I was just over the moon!!!

So, at this point you may be thinking- well, what in the world was going on….details PLEASE!!! In short, it was another fabulous miracle that only our God can coordinate and I truly am so thankful to have shared just a small part of Kristina’s amazing summer when I had the honor of photographing their family on our visit to Arkansas. But, of course there’s much more to the story…

In late 2010, Kristina was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of primary vaginal cancer, called Vaginal Adenocarcinoma. After over 15 gynecology oncologists reviewed her case initial treatment plans were begun January of 2011. Thus began the long list of surgeries, chemotherapy, external beam radiation and internal radiation. All of which are grueling and exhausting for any person, but Kristina is also a wife and mother so I can only imagine how the family as a whole was mentally and physically exhausted. Yet, through it all she remained faithful and positive.

Check ups continued every 3 months and to her and her doctor’s delight for the remainder of 2011, Kristina was deemed cancer free! However, in February of 2012 the test results showed abnormal glandular cells once again. After meeting with the tumor board the doctors believed Kristina's only cure to be a Total Pelvic Exoneration. A procedure so seldom required, even a huge institution such as MD Anderson only performed 12 of these radical surgeries per year. As most of us would do, Kristina sought second opinions and dove into the research for any hope of other alternatives, finally though she had to chose to move forward with the radical and deformative surgery on June 5, 2012.

Ten hours from home, an estimated 2 weeks in ICU recovery and a month stay in Houston well in her future. Kristina started her day of surgery with 8 IVs, a tube in her neck for a blood transfusion, an epidural and full anesthetic. She was was completely prepped for surgery and had the best surgical team at MD Anderson had to offer at her side. All would have been a normal day in surgery for these doctors, but through her mother's unwavering encouragement, Kristina had one last special request. She asked for one last biopsy before the entire procedure was completely put into motion.

The doctor's deemed this very unnecessary, but ultimately agreed. Kristina knew that there were tons of people and family members fasting and praying for her, She knew that if God chose to, He could heal her. Her faith and peace of mind through this entire endeavor is so inspiring and a humbling reminder that we rest completely in His loving hands.

Amazingly, the small biopsy of the sample came back negative for cancer. When the pathologist couldn't find traces of cancer, the surgeon took a larger biopsy. Still, no cancer. The surgeon then did a full upper vaginectomy removing a larger amount of tissue and glands knowing there had been cancer there on prior biopsies. AND Still no invasive cancer!!!

After working relentlessly for 5 hours, calling in the head of pathology to assist, the rest of the surgery was completely aborted!!! Kristina received her miracle from God and got to spend an unexpected summer at home with her husband and children.

 They all could not have been more excited and thankful in every way imaginable. Billy and the kids reminded me so much of the strength of our family that not to long ago rallied around Adam for his surgery. WOW, what a BLESSING this family was to ours- God is so, so, SO good and I am so thankful for each and every little and BIG miracle that He shares with me daily!

So, now you know why Kristina and her family are so VERY special to me and what these images really represent! I can't help but smile every time I look at these images of this precious family :)


This family session was SOOOO much more than preserving the family and kids at this stage in their lives- it was a C E L E B R A T I O N of life, it's many blessings...


...the simple things like spending time together, laughing, hugging and just being ALIVE with JOY in our hearts!!!


Thank you so much Kristina for sharing your story, your courage and your sweet family, you are ALL such an amazing blessing! xoxo :)



Kristina has kept a blog of her journey and shares much more faith and detail of her diagnosis, treatment and recovery, Please visit her blog and while you are there send some kind words and prayers her way ☺ http://restingreenmeadows.blogspot.com/