A family facing a grim reality is trying to make the best of their heartbreaking situation.
Gabriel Matheny of Corinth, Texas, is a long-time EMT for an ambulance service in the area. For the last five years, Gabriel has barely been out of a hospital bed. He is living with an inoperable brain tumor that may soon take his life at 36 years old.
This is difficult for Gabriel's family. He is married to Erin, with whom he shares two children, ages 10 and 8. There isn't a lot they can do to protect their kids from what's happening in their family. Instead, they've focused on making every moment together count.
A group of North Texas businesses came together to give the Mathenys some truly beautiful Christmas memories. Thanks to Chris Fritchie Studios, the family was treated to an elaborate Christmas photo shoot featuring Santa himself.
"It means a lot, it really does. It’s a huge blessing,” Gabriel told CBS DFW.
"It absolutely does enter my mind, the whole, 'Hey, you know could it be my last Christmas?' I don't know," Gabriel said.
"It's an emotional roller coaster that there's not really a way off that's with a good ending," Erin added.
"The No. 1 thing for me to provide for them is a great memory and a great experience," said photographer Chris Fritchie.
"Getting those memories, that’s always a good thing."
Erin explained, "We want to make each one memorable for sure, it’s the best we can do for our kids."
