Saylor
Davina
35 Comments
This is her life.
Saylor is an amazing little girl. Her mom is Supermom...I'm pretty sure if I would have asked her to reveal her alter ego she would have shown me the giant 'S' and the cape hidden under her regular mom look.
I first learned about Saylor when she sent in her essay for the Father's Day contest. Over the months I've thought about her on a number of occassions and knew that I wanted to meet her. I finally contacted her mom, Audrey, and we started talking about documenting a day in Saylor's life...which will actually be over the next year. After working out the details we decided to meet at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake. Saylor was born with spina bifida and has been in and out of hospitals since her life began. We went to her orthopedic surgeon who removed the casts (her eleventh set) she had on from her fifth surgery in her short 4 year old life; then drove to Shriners' to have her fitted for new braces for her legs.
Through out the entire process Saylor was so brave. Even when she was afraid she faced what was before her. In so many ways she seems so much older than a sweet little four year old. I was reminded of her still tender innocence and awareness when they went to the gift shop to get the balloon that she looks forward to during every trip to the hospital.
As much as I loved seeing the power and understanding of such a little girl, it was the sweet giving, sacrifice, and effort that Audrey goes to for her children that also touched my heart. As a mom she took my breath away as I Iistened to the health issues that each of her children have had, the endless trips to the hospital, the late nights, the early mornings, the heart stopping realities, and the happiness at little and big successes.
I realized that I wasn't documenting one person's story. I am documenting two.
real. LIFE.
Reader Comments (35)
What a beautiful and BRAVE little girl!!! I'll admit, I was terrified when they went to take my cast off my leg too. The only difference...I was probably 10 years older than her!
oops davina i posted my comment on the wrong section ... either way check it out!
its on who inspires you ...
Oh I just got tears in my eyes- what a beautful little girl. As a mom you really do become a mom to every child in the world and I will have a special place for her in my heart and prayers- what a brave little girl. I hope she and her family have a long happy healthy life. :)
Davina! That is such a touching story.It is so important to document these things. It is so great you are able to do this for the family. My mom had polio as a little girl and had to wear braces and what not, I think I would appreciate and understand what she went through so much more had she been documented the way you have been able to do for this family.
What a sweet and brave little girl! i am so glad that you have decided to do this project. It has touched me in so many ways. Hats off to Saylor and her HERO of a mother.
Inspired doesn't begin to explain. That is one powerful mother/daughter duo. I love the picture of her crying in her moms chest...how comforting our mothers can be. She is strong little gal!
Davina - i am speechless and i cant stop crying. i dont know if anyone has ever written something so beaufiful and kind about us and especially me ..... the pics are raw and amazing and i cant begin to express the amount of gratitude that i have for you and for your involvement in our lifes. next i can express how amazing your talent and work are .... what an amazing person you yourself are and how you have inspired more people than you know!!!! WE LOVE YOU!
Wow, i'm completely weeping. I feel such pain for this mother but such respect for her bravery. What a beautiful little girl. Your photos are amazing and i'm sure will be cherished. I couldn't help but find the irony in the photo with the People magazine (or one of those magazines). People reading up on whats going on with Britney Spears while this little girl is trying to survive her own little life. Amazing Davina!
Davina, I love that you have captured the spirit of this amazing little girl and her awesome mom. Audry in one of my closest friends. The pic of Saylor crying and holding onto her mom brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing their story. Audry and Saylor~ I love you both. You are so brave.
Saylor's soul knew she was going to need strong, brave, and capable parents. The kind that do not scare away easy. She found that in Audrey and Nate. I knew it to be true the moment I met them. This family did not come together by accident, they were chosen. I believe this with all of my heart. I love the way the relationship between Mother and child has been captured in these photos...brings back many memories for me. I am looking forward to reading and seeing more.
I'm speechless with tears in my eyes. These are some of the most emotional pics I have ever seen.
How incredibly touching. I think it is a beautiful thing to give in this way. I am inspired! what a brave little girl and mama.
Through these pictures you have shared how an extraordinary mother faces every day in awe of her brave daughter. They are both hero's in my eyes. Thank you for sharing the beauty of their real life with all of us.
Davina!!! Super job documenting this! You can totally see this Saylor's strength and incredible spirit in these photos. I love the shot of her helping with the casting, the shot where she is hanging onto Mom's arm for support, and even the shot of her crying... because we all have little moments where we have had enough and need to let it out... but then toughen up again. This kind of work totally inspires me... I love documenting these stories, they need to be heard so that we can truly count our blessings and remember to have Saylor's spirit during the hard times!
What a darling little girl~ Davina the photos are simply beautiful as always!!
Thank you for being such an inspiration in so many ways!!
Davina,
You brought me to tears and really inspired me today. To be honest, today was one of those days where I felt very discouraged, and had a tough day. However, your blog brought me back to reality and made me feel so grateful for all of the things that God has blessed me with. The courage and joy in this family is remarkable and your sensitivity in capturing it was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for the ways you've obviously touched this family's life and for sending the reminder I needed today. You have a remarkable gift.
I can't even tell you how much I appreciate all the beautiful comments that everyone has made here about Audrey and Saylor. It's so wonderful to have people take the time to post and an absolute gift to have such thoughtful comments. Thank you also for your very kind words to me. I'm so happy that the moments I spent with Audrey and Saylor are coming across to all of you. That's the thing I always hope for. Thank you all for stopping by my blog and even more thanks for taking the time to leave such generous words.
i too want to follow in davina's steps and just say thank you for all the comments ... i am overwhelmed by the thoughts and feelings strangers and friends have for us! Davina - thanks again! and i am sure everyone will agree with me ... you must publish this somehow somewhere ... its obviously very touching! its just life to me .. i forget how it looks, thanks for giving me a reminder that will last our lifetimes! we really do love you!
That was POWERFUL, Davina.
Thanks so much for sharing.
It's projects like THIS that I miss from my days as a news photojournalist ... but I'm elated to see there's a place for this work in the wider world of photography as well.
Simply Remarkable!!! This documentation is outstanding.