Jesslaine Elise Photography

These photos are pretty precious.  I won’t pretend to know the whole story but I will share with you what I know.  This little guy may be may be small but his strength can be an inspiration to all.  Thank-you Cortney and Crystal for allowing me to capture these sweet moments with your son.  Your unwavering commitment and strength through this all is amazing to me.

Last fall Lyric began peeing blood.  At first they thought it was just some kind of infection but soon after a few visits to Saskatoon and some major tests, they discovered he had a very rare tumor on his kidney.  It didn’t take Lyric long to get into surgery but the fight didn’t end there.  He has been having regular chemotherapy and radiation to treat this horrible cancer.  This family has been through a lot and I imagine there is still more challenges to come.  Living 3 hours away has been a particular struggle for them as their family has had to be apart for the large majority of these last few months as they deal with multiple admissions and appointments related to his condition.  But as I said above, their strength through this adversity is truly something to be admired.

It was great to talk to Cortney and hear about all the great care he is getting from the nurses on pediatrics at RUH and I am proud to hear that some of my old co-workers there are still around and doing great work.  I know as a nurse these are some of the most challenging kids to work with because they are sick and do not understand what is happening to them.  So good job peds nurses for looking after Lyric and his family so well!  I have no doubt in my mind that they are all getting excellent care.

I first met Crystal, Lyric’s mom, a few years back through at my good friend Gail’s wedding.  Her and Crystal grew up together and have been the best of friends since.  Gail and her family have been an enormous support to this family as they go through this difficult time and through Gail, I have kept tabs on how things have been going.  Being a nurse myself (and having some pediatric nursing experience as well), I know how difficult it can be for a family to go through these ugly situations and I cannot imagine having to be as strong as these people have had to be for their child.  A few months ago I felt compelled to approach Crystal about taking some photos of Lyric while he was in hospital – and luckily, she not only agreed but was really excited about it!

Last week Lyric and his dad had to stay at RUH for a week in order for him to get his daily treatments as well as a blood transfusion.  The day I went in, last Friday, he was doing really well and they were excited to go home for the weekend. He was in great spirits the day I came in and was a good sport while I took pics of him playing and hanging out with his dad.  His personality really shines through in these photos Unfortunately that darn chemo did a number on his little immune system and Lyric is back on Peds this week to get better again.  I am sure he is going to make another speedy recovery!

Going through these photos is surely to bring on a few tears.  I know they did for me.  I know that I find myself complaining about silly little day to day things that happen in my life but thinking about what this family is going through and how hard it must be for them, really gives me a reality check and makes me realize how much I have to be grateful for.  I am hoping it does the same for all you who get to see this post.

Be strong sweet Lyric.  We are all rooting for you!