Where to begin this story…Have you ever said “Well we are all going to die…” and not quite understand the weight of what it could be if it were to come into fruition.

To make it easy I’m going to start with a timeline, as I’m still trying to comprehend it myself. We were requested for a shoot by Sick Kids on December 6th, 2022 for a shoot four days later (We never take on shoots this short notice but this was different, let me continue).

We heard on the 20th of December that the day prior he had passed away. It was a punch in the heart that I’m still trying to understand. We were coming home from being out when my husband broke the news to me, I was a wreck. My eyes didn’t know how to shut off the water that was streaming down my cheeks.  I always fall in love with my client that I shoot but honestly still have no comprehension of how any of this is even fair or logical. 

It was a celebration of life crossed with a baptism for Brayden; Amanda had explained to me when we spoke. It was a superhero party and a complete surprise for the guest of honour who was her one and only son. She had given us full permission to do what we do and capture as things unfolded as she wanted to remember exactly how it was. A true documentation of a day.

Honestly when I close my eyes I still can’t believe how fast all of this went down.

I recall when we were driving there thinking of Amanda…and how can she even stomach all of what was going on. Having to put on a smile and truly be brave and full well knowing what was coming (Mom & Dad and everyone that attended were aware that Brayden was very sick and that he was going to pass away…can you hear my heart drop into my stomach as I write this).

We had been given the task of documenting a highly important life event so she and her family could be in the moment. We only hope that we did it justice.

Dedicated to Amanda and Family “the Incredibles“.

In memory of Brayden. 

Thank you to everyone in Sick kids who helped make this happen.