Angélica’s mommy writes: Our Princess Angélica María was a long-awaited baby girl for the entire family. She was born without any complications. At one year and six months, we began treating her with specialists because her development was not normal for her age. She did not communicate in any way with people in the family or outside the country. She did not speak or babble. She had a delay in her neurodevelopment, both mental and physical. We are from Cuba, a country with few resources, materials, or medical resources. My husband came to the United States when our daughter was five months old, seeking to improve our future and that of our daughter. Upon arriving here, he began the legal process to bring us here so that our daughter would have the best medical care possible. In Cuba, there is nothing for children like Angélica, with their special needs. It has only been three years since we were reunited here, thank God almighty. Once here in Athens, they began genetic studies on our little one, and her diagnosis was devastating for us. She has a degenerative genetic syndrome called Rett Syndrome. We don’t know how we’ve been able to find the strength to keep going, knowing that one day she will no longer be with us. But we do know that as long as God places her in our lives, we will make her the happiest girl in the world. We live for her and will always live for her. We nominated her because a friend, Arial, sent us the link, and I believe God wants her to enjoy becoming a fairy before leaving us. We’ve never before been able to take the photos she deserves. We hope she can be chosen someday. God bless you all.
Heather’s thoughts: I can tell Angélica is so loved. Her family speaks almost no english and I don’t speak spanish so we used text translation to talk for our session. I’d pick a spot and say “Aqui?” and then back up to get my camera up. While I was taking pictures of Angélica herself, the family was shouting over my shoulder. “Ayyye princessa! Eres hermosa! Bella bella!” and she’s smile. I wish so much that I knew more Spanish and they’re inspired me to learn more. Her baby sister was also included and she’s sooo cute! Angélica is non-verbal but I could see bits of her sweet personality coming out with her sister and while her lovely family was talking to her.
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