Jess and I both drove calmly into the night better people than we had been before spending our evening with the McRae family. It was an especially great evening for little Kate who was in high spirits that day. Whose soft blue eyes batted together as she held her mother Holly’s hand in hers as we all shared laughs and words together at the dinner table. It was perfect and right. And how we all simply expect and hope it always is.
If you follow along with us at all, you know that we are lovers of stories.
People stories.
Stories of hope and passion, heartache and overflowing, love and redemption. Stories that interweave and pass in and out of each other, colliding and changing, into what we all know as LIFE.
Perhaps you may know of the McRae’s story. You may have heard that sweet little 7 year old Kate has an aggressive, malignant tumor that has resided in her brain for the past two years. Maybe you’ve read or heard of how far this story has reached. From visits with Kate by Dr. Phil McGraw, to millions upon millions of well-wishers and prayer warriors sending their love through Kate’s Caring Bridge page from all across the world. You just may have been watching from afar (or closely) and seen and heard what all this family has endured and battled and loved through. This little girl’s story has reached clear around the earth and back.
But what many of us do not see is the small, minute, almost unnoticeable effects the McRaes have on those around them. Including us. What we don’t always see is how Aaron still beams from ear to ear when he greets you, and how he still lets out his quiet burst of genuine laughter. How Holly responds and communicates to Kate, Olivia, and Will with the patience and endearing of a brand new mother. We don’t get to see everyday how Olivia’s ever-present squinty little smile lights up the darkest of rooms. Or how Will’s gigantic character and humor will have you stitching up your sides after just a few minutes. And we don’t always see courageous little Katie-bug, and how her very presence around you is one of light and peace. Even looking through the lens into her eyes was like nothing we’ve ever witnessed. The quiet power and real love she exudes amidst such a journey is incredible to say the very least.
It’s hard to completely pen into words, but the McRae family and their bonds together fractured our hearts a little bit that evening. In nothing but a good way. You see, the McRaes can still have hope, they still love, they can still care, and laugh. They can do all these things because they believe that all of our stories are part of a grander, more beautiful and glorious Story. That they are not simply being dragged through all of this pain and trial for nothing. They believe that cancer does NOT ultimately win.
And we can see this attitude towards life, this faith, all around them. In everyone they come in contact with. It happened to us. It would happen to you if you had the opportunity to sit for a time with them, shove your feet under a table, and enjoy food and company with this amazing family. We’ve had the honor to walk alongside and know the McRaes for several years now, even before Kate was diagnosed with cancer. They have always lived like this.
It’s just a lot brighter around them now.
Jess and I humbly ask for your prayers of healing for Kate. You can join in prayer and follow her journey at her Caring Bridge page here. You can also choose to help the McRaes in a new, creative way. The flowered headband that Kate is wearing below is available to purchase through Kari Myers Etsy shop here. She is custom creating this line of headbands, which is aptly named “The Kate”. Portions of the proceeds go directly to the McRaes to help support them.
Our friends, The McRaes…
Wow…some amazing shots of a beautiful family. Love the post as well, wonderfully said. Great stuff as always guys!
Sending all my love and prayers!!!! Gorgeous family!!! Blessed :)
What a great tribute to the McRae family!! I looked on the Etsy site, but I don’t see the headband?? Has it maybe not been added yet? Thank you.
I love every photo session the McRae family has done. Each one so different from the previous, they are all intertwined and tell the beautifully tragic, yet hope-filled journey Kate and her family have been walking the last two years. Kate’s smile is beaming, her eyes so captivating they leave you breathless. Beautiful child ~ her journey and story through pictures is far from over. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
I love you McRae family. :)
Keep smiling Kate ~ you are a most remarkable little girl. Love you sweetpea.
The pics are great! Praise God for this family and their strength!!
we had the privilege of living in Arizona for a year and “meeting” the McRae family at church… our family has been blessed to be prayer warriors for little Kate and believe for her healing- she is such a beautiful little girl and I admire the faith of this family! (I also couldn’t find the headband on Etsy?)
Hey friends, first off thank you all for dropping by and supporting the McRaes. And also, the “Kate” headband will be available shortly at the above mentioned Etsy shop. Much love. ~Jay + Jess
We just love the McRae Family. They are such an inspiration to me. Precious Kate loves Jesus, it just comes out of her pores. The peace that they have is incredible. Only through knowing Christ can this be made possible. Thank you Jess for sharing this with all of us.
Great Pictures!! Beautiful family, I follow Kate’s story on CB and pray for them every day. This family has touched so many. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
I follow both Aaron’s Blog and Kate’s CB page and I simply love these pictures. They are an amazing family and Kate is only a little girl but she has more strength than many adults I know.
[...] had seen the McRaes pictures that we shot back in July and had thought that The Tempe Center for the Arts would be [...]
[...] in honor of Kate McRae, the most amazing little girl who is battling brain cancer. We did a photo shoot with The McRaes not too long ago, and I just totally fell in love with the [...]