a part of you has grown in me. and so you see, it's you and me together forever and never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart.
- author unknown



i'm sure this quote was not intended for this type of post but...to me, it couldn't be more perfect.

max (and his family) have affected me like no other. max will always be a part of me. he teaches me to be better, be stronger and do greater. while shooting, max challenges me b/c i'm not a photojournalistic photographer, but it also rewards me like no other and that's what it's all about...i'm so thankful that they have come into my life and i can do this for them.

today, max's dad emailed me this:

Very kind words from a stranger.

We say it all the time but the gift you are giving us is priceless and we hope to have the ability to return the favor and give a priceless gift to you and your family some day.

have a great week.

Andy & Melis

----- Forwarded Message ----
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 5:46:38 AM
Subject: Mashed Potatos are yummy!

Deb,

I just wanted to thank you and congratulate you on your beautiful work!!! It is great that you have gotten close to this family and can show others what a family with a child with NB goes through. Max is adorable, he''s a beautiful boy and it is shocking to have to see him go through what he has to. My son also had NB but is now 8 years old. People really just are not aware of the truth of this life. I thank you for caring and for taking the time to bring our struggles to light so that others will become interested and perhaps further our cause of finding a cure for this terrible disease. May God continue to bless you and Max and his family.
L

Little does Andy know....they have already returned the favor tenfold.