Erika and Stephen Jones found out 18 weeks into their pregnancy that their baby girl would be born with Down Syndrome. They knew it would be difficult, but quickly worked through their feelings of devastation to a place where they felt ready to parent a child with special needs.
Later in the pregnancy, however, it would be revealed that baby Abigail had a brain tumor that was replacing brain tissue and destroying normal brain anatomy. Their daughter was born on August 6 and now, the family is is focusing on celebrating Abigail’s life, for however long she is with them. An amazing photographer captured the most beautiful images of the family and sweet Abigail. They tell an incredible story of a family gathering their strength and accepting devastating news with a stunning grace.
Covering her with love
When Mary Huszcza heard of the Jones family and their sad story, she immediately reached out to the Tesori Family Foundation, a local non-profit that had arranged a gift basket for the family including a photo session with Huszcza.
If she isn’t healed on earth He will heal her
The couple realizes that Abigail may not get better, but their faith is carrying them through.
Abigail’s life has a purpose
That faith is not only guiding them, it is also a great comfort. “We knew little Abby’s life had a purpose, no matter how long or short it was,” says Erika, through a blog entry on Huszcza’s website.
A calling for a photographer
SheKnows spoke with photographer Mary Huszcza of 8.08 Photography. She is the one who captured these precious images for the Jones family. When asked if this kind of photo shoot is something she would want to do more of in the future, Huszcza had this to say. “This is definitely a calling and I’d love to do more sessions like this. My actual career and training is as a pediatric occupational therapist. I’ve spent the last 15 years working with babies/children with special needs. Now, having a family myself, this gradual shift to becoming a photographer came about because of my desire for more flexibility to be with my family. I became an occupational therapist out of a desire to help people, so I’ve struggled with giving that up to be a photographer. Now I truly see that I can still contribute and help people through photography.“
Prayed for something extra special
Huszcza tells SheKnows that although she wants to do an amazing job for all of her clients, she did realize the weight of her task in capturing the Jones family during these precious moments. She says “I really prayed for something extra special for this session.”
Helping them remember every detail
When asked if she approached this shoot any differently from a typical newborn photo session, Huszcza tells us, “It didn’t really differ from how I do other newborn sessions. I was just a bit more nervous because I wanted to be able to give the family beautiful images that they could look back on years down the road and remember every little detail about their beautiful girl.”
She is perfect
Judging by these gorgeous images, Huszcza succeeded in her goal. Every detail of little Abigail’s loveliness is captured in this collection of photos the Jones family will undoubtedly treasure forever.
This beautiful girl
Having images of their daugthers together as sisters is a priceless gift for Erika and Stephen.
So blessed to share these moments Through Photos
Huszcza says that in the end, it was a gift to her as well being able to give this family something so meaingful during their time of need. “I was so blessed to be allowed to share these intimate moments with this family.” We couldn’t agree more.
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