Anyways, the reason behind wanting to update this blog is for me to tell you all a special story about one of my favorite couples on the planet.
I got an email several months ago from a good friend telling me about a couple looking to get their family portraits done with their 2 Jack Russell Terriers. Having owned 2 JRT's myself I knew it was going to be a fun session so I contacted them right away and we set a date to take the photos. Never did I know that a simple session would blossom into a friendship that I will cherish forever.
Remember this session?
Great looking couple and adorable pups, no? I knew you'd agree :)
Scott and Charlene have been through many struggles over the last year. You see, Scott was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer last summer and, as you can imagine, their life has never been the same. Scott has had to endure several tests, treatments and surgeries over the last year and unfortunately it wasn't enough to stop or slow down the nasty, disgusting and most hated disease from taking over his entire body. Almost every trip to the doctors office has been devastating for them.... "The scan is showing new masses", "the cancer has spread to another organ", "Scott only has a few months to live" "The cancer has taken over his body".... Things NOBODY ever wants to hear.
Yet through it all, the love Scott and Charlene have for each other hasn't faded one bit. From the many times I've talked to Char, she always gushes like a school girl talking about "her guy", "her knight in shining armor", her "soul mate" that is Scott. We've shared many tears but have also laughed several times when she has shared their story with me. It's the kind of love and adoration that many people wish they could have.
Having to face the reality of the situation, both Scott & Char both know that Scott does not have much time left on this earth. He recently decided to cease all chemotherapy treatments. But it's not because he's giving in, it is so he can live out his time here not feeling sick and exhausted every day. He wants to spend the time adoring his wife, sitting with his beloved dogs and enjoying time with his grandchildren.
A few weeks ago, when I was visiting Scott and Char, it made my heart ache to even mention it but I suggested that we take some photos of them together that she could cherish forever. We both knew if we waited any longer, we would regret it and it wasn't something either of us could stomach.
We were able to find a time when Scott was having a good day and had to wait for the weather to clear but we got these precious photos taken. Per Scott's request we took some "sweetheart" photos because he wanted to show the world just home much he loves and adores his wife. Again, we shared tears and laughs and my heart was full when I left that park. It didn't ache which is usually the case whenever I leave their home.
Like I said, I've only known Scott & Char for a few months but it feels like I've known them my whole life. The have taught me so much about faith, strength, determination and how strong true love can be through any obstacle you are faced with. I wish I could have gotten to know them sooner and, of course, under different circumstances. We don't have a business relationship, we have become great friends and I feel very blessed to have them both in my life. They both know they have my heart, my thoughts and my friendship during these difficult times.
So, with that I present you with some lovely photos of this fabulous couple!
I love you Scott & Charlene!
(For more photos please visit my FB page here: Facebook Fan Page)
That was a really nice and touching thing you wrote about Scott and Char!! We love them dearly and our hearts ache for them...and our hearts just ache period. Now is the time to make memorable & wonderful memories!! Great pics too!!
ReplyDeleteRachel & Keli
Thank you for sharing this story, it brought me to tears... I cannot imagine. I, too, have only known Char for only a couple months and never have had the pleasure of meeting Scott. The oppertunity arose when Scott was getting ready to come home from the hospital and was in need of a hospital bed. My husband and I happened to have one and the chance meeting took place. Though I have never personally met Scott, I love him as I do Char. My prayers continue to go out to them.
ReplyDeleteDarcy Andrews
Yeah so I'm crying now I love Scott and Charlene so much Scott and Charlene are the perfect example of Faithfulness love you both Becky
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful love story it is...God has blessed you both with a beautiful love for one another..I've seen you both grow in the grace of Jesus..You both have shown an amazing amount of faith. Even yet while many days the road on your journey has been dark, you display the truth of Psalm 23, that the Lord is there to light up the dark, and lead you both by His hands. We don't know when the hour may come, that the lord will call you home, but we do know that His timing is perfect, and it's always for our own good, and His glory!! I will continue to pray for your continued strength, and courage to face each new day, with the joy of the Lord, and the strength of His mighty hands!!.....God Bless you both!!! <3 Love you both<3......To you both......One Jesus moment/second at a time!!!! {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
ReplyDeleteIn Christ Alone,
Bill and Leslie Myers
P.S. What a beautiful blog and a beautiful tribute to a beautiful couple!! Thank you for sharing Michelle. :)
I am the girlfriend of Scotty's best friend, We will call him Willy. We are both so sorry for him and Charlene. Through Willy I have grown to love you both, No person should ever have to go through what your going through. I lost my husband in 1998 he had a massave heart attack, He was here one moment and gone the next, it was very tragic, but there was never any false hope, Scott has endured countless tests, Chemo, radiation, thinking there may be some hope. We still pray for you Scott , you never give up on God We love you both. Linda and Willy
ReplyDeleteI have known Charlene since back in our high school days and I know her pretty well. Scott I have never met, but through postings on facebook, I feel like I've known him all my life. He is a great brother in Christ and I continue to pray for Scott & Char. May God give you both Love, Strength, Joy, Peace, and Happiness and never give up...miracles do happen!! Beautiful Pictures make beautiful memories! Love You Both....Judy Rife Whitley
ReplyDeleteI have known Scott for a little over two years. I met Scotat while training for work at Peckham. Scott you are n amazing person. God bless you and your wife. The pictures are beautiful and thanks for sharing them with us.You are in my thoughts and prayers Scott.
ReplyDeleteSharon Bissell
I am the wife !!! my name is char & let me tell you , for those of you that ever had to face CANCER , my heart go's out ! I waited all my life for this wonderful man (scott) & the lord may or may not take him ! in God hands :O) Scott I love you & being your wife for 9 yrs is the best times of my life ! I once told you , you are my angel & you still are :O) !!!! I love you baby !!!
ReplyDeleteChar, this is all new news to me. I am so sorry to learn of all this. I will keep you both in my prayers.It is good that you are making these memories,for I know you'll treasure your last days together. I am really saddened by this. Stay strong and always remember the days gone by.
ReplyDeleteSincerely, Pearlie
I have never met this couple but they have come to be a part of my heart I so wish they could live forever but God has a plan He needs a special Angel and Scott is the best ! so he will be with angels and hole again looking down on my friend Charlene smiling cause her nature beauty takes his breath away!I love you Guys and I m here till the end! night or day I promise I will pray! your friend Jessie B
ReplyDeleteChar and scott are wounderful people. Know iam here for you as you guys were there for me. I heard a song char that is so you and scott. Iam going to love you through it by Martina mcbride. As i write this iam trying to not to let the tears come. I know the pain but just enough what yiu have. You and scott are wounderful people and only seserve the best. Live you guys iam hear when you need mr.i think about you two alot.
ReplyDeleteMy Scotty passed away on Jan 6th 2012 !!! RIP my sweetheart ! ,love Mrs Swiger !!!!!
ReplyDeleteCharlene,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you. You me Scott loved each other and that mattered. So does your heart and your right to be and feel loved again.