TSGallantPhotography Loc: SW Florida

Sorry, but this is a long one but I'm hoping you will find it worth the read. Not long ago, I posted two portraits of my friend. So many kind things were said by the HH community. I wanted to tell everyone that I had her read all of the comments. Some I made her read twice (no, really, I wouldn't scroll on until she read again). She cried! By the second, she had her hand over her mouth and by the 5th she had tears which stayed until I left. She said to thank you all "for making this ol' ugly ducking feel like a swan". (I swear, that woman, lol!) Anyway, wanted to share that y'all had a part in making my friend feel as beautiful as she is.

What I hadn't included, bc I wanted all genuine reactions, is that she is a selfless hospice home care provider (for decades) and has just been diagnosed with cancer, herself. This session was agreed upon, as a gift to her children and grandchildren, before she started chemo treatments (I wasn't even aware of this, myself, at the time).

At the end she insisted I take a quick photo of her turned and waving. I kept trying to say no (didn't match my normal style and seemed silly) but she was insistent and said how important it was to her. So, I took this photo. Not a good photo, imho, but she said it was what she needed and openly sobbed when she saw it. I thought the whole thing odd but, whatever, right? I did get what I wanted so why the heck not?

It wasn't until she told me about the cancer as why she had finally agreed to the session that she explained this waving photo was for display at her funeral. That's why it was so important to her and why she wanted it just like this. Talk about feeling as if someone punched you in the gut! What an honor and a privilege.

Please, no CC on this one. I just wanted to share part of my friend, the joy you all gave her and that we don't always know the impact of what we do.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Very nice pic. That is a touching story.

Adamborz

Wow... very moving!

jayd Loc: Central Florida, East coast

Beautiful

Respectfully

Great person

Great work

Memories to last

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very nice.

blanam Loc: Detroit

Brought tears to my eyes. That's a photo you'll never forget.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

She was so right insisting you take this photo. This is the one I would want to see if she were my friend. A wonderful photo of her great smile telling all her family and friends that they were in her thoughts as she traveled towards the end of her life. Awesome!!!

I lost my husband to cancer 14 years ago on the 26th. The road she is traveling will not be an easy one; I wish her peace. I wish for her family and friends that the wonderful memories she has left them gives them comfort and they realize their lives are richer because she was part of them.

Blessings to you for showing the world this remarkable soul.

Dodie

angler Loc: StHelens England

Beautiful.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Each of you is fortunate to have the other as a friend. We are fortunate to have seen your photos and to have met her through those photos.

Dennis

blue-ultra Loc: New Hampshire

God Bless her, and you for being her friend!

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Extremely sensitive portrait on your part. Thanks for sharing and being a special person

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Anhanga Brasil Loc: Cabo Frio - Brazil

And she smiles...
Excellent photo and story.
R.I.P.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

What a wonderful moving story. And your photo is very well done.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Thanks for that wonderful story - it's so nice to read about kind acts that make a difference.