Cheryl Read Photography

It was just a few weeks ago that Cheryl, a friend from high school, contacted me to see if I would be interested in her doing a photo shoot for our family for Christmas.

Her generous offer made me cry.  It reminded me of what life was like this time last year, how very reluctant I was to have any pictures taken of me (unless of course I was using snap chat to take a flattering selfie). How unsure I was of myself in my own skin, and the uncertainty that plagued the future.

As I described in my last post, last year was the first time since Tommy was born that we didn't have Christmas Pictures taken.  Pictures are permanent memories captured forever, last year I just wasn't up to it.

When Cheryl offered to take our families pictures this year I absolutely jumped at the chance.

The process was seamless and so much fun.  Cheryl made all of us laugh and captured some truly beautiful moments.  It only took her three days to edit all of the photos, she sent me the first few as she finished them.  Each image brought tears to my eyes.  There was a time that I would have criticized every aspect of myself in a picture.  When I looked at these I was overwhelmed with the joy of seeing bright, beautiful smiles on my family's faces. Each one of the pictures is absolutely breathtaking, I was completely spellbound by her talent.

Then she sent me a video that she created from the photographs that she took.  It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and I wanted to share it with you.

Thank you all for your love and support.  Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement. Most of all, thank you for loving and supporting me.

#fightlikeamommy

#itisstillmyfairytale

I would love it if you would head over to Cheryl's page and like it.  Cheryl Read Photography

Cheryl Read doesn't advertise, she only operates from word of mouth.  

It's Almost Christmas

Life is so busy this time of year, Christmas is just around the corner.  I have always been aware that this is an extremely emotional time for most people, but have never really experienced it until recently.  I post a lot about being thankful for life, family, friends, and the ability to continue making memories.  I didn't know how incredibly special these things were until going through this journey with cancer.  Every day becomes special when you aren't sure if it will be your last.

This weekend has been pretty wonderful.  We have made some magical Christmas memories, and have participated in local events that have become a part of our family's tradition.  It all really hit me last night when after leaving the Jingle Jam (which I was too sick to attend last year), we went to the Christmas Event at Field Days of the Past.  It wasn't until we had reached the 4th building and had walked close to a half mile that I remembered that last year I went wearing a scarf with no hair underneath, I remember the taste of poisoned metal in my mouth, and that I was so weak we had to take the tram from building to building. Last year I held back tears almost the entire time wondering what this Christmas would look like for our family.   

I am happy to report that so far, it looks pretty great.  The difference a year has made is pretty tremendous.

  

Last year was the first time since Tommy was born that we didn't have professional Christmas pictures taken.  I have to be very honest, it was not something I wanted to remember.  Every picture was a reminder of cancer and the impact it had on me and my family.

This year is beautifully different.  I have a dear friend from high school that has offered to take our families picture this year for free.  I am so excited, and very nervous.  I was looking through all of our Christmas pictures from years past.  I always dress Tommy in blue, Elayna in a beautiful fancy dress of varying colors, David in a shade of grey, and me in black or brown.  My unspoken intent was always to let the kids be the focus, the center of attention.  This year I will be wearing my new red Nicole.  It is my look at me - here I am, I beat the odds and survived dress.  David just smiles when I wear it because he knows how much it means to me.  

I am so thankful for the wonderful, beautiful gift that Cheryl Read Photography is giving us today.  I feel so incredibly lucky and blessed by her kindness.  She promotes only by word of mouth, and she is fantastically gifted.  Go check out her page when you get a chance -  Cheryl Read Photography

I cannot want to share the pictures with all of you.

I am still healing from surgery.  I am in more pain than I anticipated being in this far out (it has been three and a half weeks).  Unfortunately, there is a small part of my incision that has opened and has some necrotic tissue.  I am extremely lucky to have some wonderful nurses in my life who are keeping a close eye on me.  I am very hopeful that by this time next month this will be a distant memory. 

Thank you all for your continued prayers.  I hope that the season is filled with light and love for each of you.  Remember to make each day count, hug the ones you love, smile at strangers, and let people know how much they mean to you.

#fightlikeamommy

#itisstillmyfairytale