This story begins with me in a different career.
Six years ago, Stacy was an MRI/xray tech for a busy orthopedic clinic and worked for Dr. Crockett. A very tall dude with a large family, whom I had the pleasure of photographing a few times. Fast forward to today. The Crockett family now reside in sunny San Diego, California and were so gracious and kind to fly, not only myself and gear, but also my family (!) to stay in their guest house and photograph a weekend with them. The entire experience was something I’ll always remember. Not going to lie— I could totally get used to flying private.
So here’s their lovely property in Rancho Sante Fe and our weekend with the Crocketts: Heber, Carrie, Cyrus, Grant, Annecy, and Auggie. (Emma is their eldest and sadly couldn’t leave school). The children are so brilliant and independent. Carrie is a concert pianist who loves her family fiercely. Heber flies back and forth from California to Nebraska every.single.week. That has to be exhausting, but I can tell you that they are together as much as they can be and somehow it all works.
And then there’s Auggie…
Auggie has Downs Syndrome and autism and loves to swim (he’s JUST tall enough to reach the bottom of the hot tub, where he spends a ton of time paddling around). I can’t tell you how amazing life is for Auggie. In addition to Carrie doing most of his care, he has specialized therapists/teachers/volunteers who come in nearly everyday to work with him. I have no words to tell you the strength and endurance I witnessed with all who take part in Auggie’s care. Mostly Carrie. She loves Auggie so much. I especially love the photos we captured on the beach (posted in PART 2 will post later this week). It’s a miracle to see this Mother and child together. There is much love and my heart is swollen.
