A lesson in Love
A little over a year ago, France and the world were shaken by the terrorist attacks on Paris. Everyone was changing their facebook profile by adding a french flag layer over their picture. I was so worried for friends and family and then so sad. I woke up the next day in such a state of despair. Still in bed I received a message from my friend Erika and she just turned my outlook on life, let me share with you what I saw that day. I’m sure you too will be touched by this story.
Erika is becoming quite a community pillar: she is an absolutely amazing, dedicated OBGYN, she is a fantastic cook ( she has given classes in Pensacola), she is a wonderful wife to her amazing husband, Brent (I could also go on about him, he is a local celebrity for being the Pensacola marathon’s winner for the last 5 years), she is a loving mother to her adorable little Rose. And now to Cosette… They also happen to be a striking gorgeous family.
Erika had recently met in unusual circomstances a little baby girl who was headed for the foster home system. It was love at first sight, she just listened to her heart. Knowing what a difficult process adoption can be, and though Erika had express her interest to the social worker, the chance of her getting to raise and call this little angel her own were slim. I had offered to photograph her, if they were able to welcome her in their home and just like that it happened. Erika was caught unaware, no time to prepare a baby’s room, just a run to the convenient store to buy some diapers. Rose didn’t get 9 months to watch her mother’s belly grow and slowly understand she would become a big sister, one day this little baby showed up and they hoped they could keep her. And the next day, she called me and they came into my studio. The love I witnessed was the best medicine for my broken heart. Even sweet 4 year old Rose was the most patient and devoted sister (in fact, the most caring little sibling I have encountered in my studio). Only a few weeks ago, after an exhausting and complicated process, on Cosette’s first birthday, the Schneider family became four, the adoption finalized.
With a heart of gold and driven with passion, Erika manages to excel in her very demanding profession, her family is ruled by love, they lead an exemplary life of acceptance of others in our crazy world. They gave me hope that day when I had none, and I delight in watching them grow with so much kindness. Schneiders, we, Langhornes, are sincerely grateful to be part of your friends.
This moved me to tears. My brother's family includes biological and adopted children: white, black, mixed race, so I have a special place in my heart for families who say "yes"! These pictures are beautiful and I am so happy for this family. You, my friend, have a special gift for capturing the love.
Absolutely beautiful, article and pictures!
You have captured such beauty, gentleness and love all in one
Amazing! Thank you for sharing this story. It is so heart warming and makes me realize what love can do...
I can't say enough about Dr. Schneider. She cared for me throughout my pregnancy and delivered my last son. It was a difficult delivery but Dr. Schneider was very attentive and caring. I'm so happy for her and her family.
Thank you for sharing. I am fortunate to call this woman my doctor. She has shown me compassion and leadership during a dark time in my pregnancy. This is an amazing story.
I love Dr Schneider! She is so sweet and I am so glad she was there for me when I was being a pita in the birthing room... I was so not prepared for any of it but she got us through and is an amazing women!
These pictures are fabulous. What a beautiful story. Wish you were closer.
She is an amazing person and doctor.
Geri
Congratulations