Sam White:  A man known to many as someone with an intense passion for his car, snowboarding, and life. Mid July 2011, Sam got into a major car accident almost two weeks after losing a close friend.  His car caught on fire while it was upside down in a wooded area.  Sam was trapped in the driver's seat, however mysteriously he was able to make it out.  Sam had to be resuscitated in the ambulance and was life flighted to U of M hospital.  Sam suffered 3rd degree burns to 80% of his body, a condition that doctors in burn units will tell you is usually fatal. Call it determination, call it will power, but Sam's dad calls it a MIRACLE.  Sam Sr. stated a doctor even commented it was not anything the doctors did; why Sam's body is responding to the skin grafts and recovery so quickly.   

Miracle one. . . Sam actually made it out of the vehicle.  For those that saw the scene of the accident can attest to that.
Miracle two. . . Sam was resuscitated; it was later told to the family, his body responded so well because Sam was so physically fit.
The proclamation of life was a gift Sam was not going to take lightly.  He was ready and willing to fight to survive.  Sam underwent countless surgeries of skin grafts.  Fortunately the skin on his thighs did not get touched by the flames, leaving enough area for skin grafts to cover larger areas of his body.

The doctors expected Sam to be in the hospital at least 6 months before he could go home. It took Sam about 3 1/2 months to be released to go home;  Miracle 3.  

Psalm 30:2 (NIV) "O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me."

_Sam's next goal and his motivation for a quick recovery; Snowboarding!  Can't wait to see you on the slopes! 

Mark 9:23 (KJ) "Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes."

In the two hours that I spent with Sam he was so willing to share his story, his experience with great detail.  I loved to see the real smiles and the sense of humor he is able to maintain throughout this experience.  Thank you for sharing this part of your life.  I am honored to be able to record and share your progress.   Look forward to capturing more of your triumphs and miracles as God works in your life!  Keep on SMILING!

To family and friends;  Surround him with your love and keep him lifted up in prayer, every little bit helps. 

Stay tuned for more blogs on Sam's progress.

I just finished meeting with my now new, good friend; Abbey to show her their images for the first time.  What a blessing and an honor it was to have captured their family photos.  When I first spoke with Abbey my initial thought was, how sweet and friendly she was and I couldn't wait to actually meet her in person.  When they arrived for the shoot I was introduced to her 3 month old son, Landon Scott. . . (for those that do not know me, that is my son's name - CRAZY) and her extremely kind, smiley husband Travis.  Absolutely stunning family!  The love in the room was overflowing.  I love to see families draw so close together through one of God's creations. We quickly got the traditional pose out of the way, then went right into the fun stuff.

Travis did such a great job keeping Landon smiling.  You would never guess but the only way we could get Landon to laugh was when Travis would tickle Landon's neck with his mouth.  Travis would then quickly get into position hoping that Landon would keep his smile on.  Loved watching the connections between Travis and Landon, Abbey and Landon (as Travis watched lovingly), and Abbey and Travis.

My goal for most of my shoots is artsy, elegance with emotion.  I saw the approval as Abbey watched the images one after another through teary eyes (could just be the hormones though).

_ It absolutely warms my heart to know they will have these memories for a lifetime.  I truly feel as if this is the start of a great friendship.  Thank you for allowing me to be part of these wonderful memories.