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I need to be honest - I'm feeling a bit nervous about writing this post.
Not because I'm nervous to write about Becky, the breast cancer survivor. Cancer, I can write about. I'm nervous to write about Becky, the courageous, spunky, full-of-life, extraordinary woman. Cancer is something that Becky has experienced, but cancer is not what defines her.
So I'm going to make my best attempt to describe what I think does define her.
I didn't get to spend a ton of time with Becky, but I didn't need to in order to understand who she is. She's a straight shooter; transparent, genuine, and a take-me-as-I-am type of person. She has a contagious smile that is constantly planted on her face. She adores her family. She radiates confidence. She carries herself with a certain grace and poise that I long for; I envy her self-assurance. She's not afraid to be goofy or affectionate or energetic - she allows her true personality to shine through no matter where she is or who she is around.
She's a survivor, but more importantly, she's a live-r. Not the organ :); the verb. She knows how to live.
On the day I met Becky, I had been experiencing a day. You know what I mean. A DAY. Nothing was going right, and the world seemed to be wreaking havoc on me every second that I spent awake. It's the kind of day that can put you in a slump; wreck your mindset. And it did - for a moment.
Becky changed my perspective. While we were running through the rain (yes. RAIN. On her shoot. Like I said - it was a day.), I was apologizing. And complaining. And apologizing some more. She stopped me, and with a smile said, 'you didn't know this was going to happen.'
It's simplistic, but so true. We can't control life. It's going to throw us curveballs - days, stormy weather, heartbreak, cancer...but it's up to us how we choose to handle it. We can sulk in our slump, apologize a million times, or take a cue from this lovely lady and keep pushing forward.
I'd like to believe that I'm a better person after hanging out with Becky for an hour. And for that, I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet her. :)
Becky, you seriously rock. You have inspired me, and I'm so honored that you asked me to be a part of your journey. This was one of the most enjoyable shoots I've ever done - even with the 'day' I was having. :) I hope you love these photos - you're beautiful!
Becky's hair has started to grow back (yay!) but she wanted to grab some shots of her before it was fully grown to document such a monumental time in her life. Really cool, right? As we were e-mailing back and forth, I told her to feel free to bring any props along with her that she thought would add to the shoot. She told me that she was bringing along 2 of the things that have helped her the most throughout the whole process - her kids. :)
McKinzi and Michael love their mommy a lot.
And of course, the feeling is reciprocated. :)
How cute are they?!
One of my favorites.
LOVE these two.
Becky, you're gorgeous.
Demi Moore has nothing on this chick. ;)
:)
Denise is Becky's sister (and a great friend of ours - hi Denise! :)). Denise has been one of Becky's biggest cheerleaders, supporters, encouragers, and friends through the past months of challenges and trials. Having a sister myself, I can definitely appreciate how tight their bond must be. Sisters are seriously one of life's biggest blessings.
At some point during the shoot, McKinzi decided that she should wear Becky's hat. And as soon as I pointed the camera in her direction, she worked it. Someone needs to get this girl an agent!
I already knew I was going to love Becky before I even met her. But when she rolled up to the shoot wearing these boots, she stole my heart. <3
So as I mentioned before, it rained. Here, it wasn't downpouring, but it was definitely coming down steadily. Becky and I braved the drops to grab a few shots of her doing what she does best - embracing the moment that life has given her. :)
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Comments
I am in LOVE with these, Amy! You did a wonderful job! I can't say it enough....I love, love, LOVE them. Thank you so much!!!
(03.10.10)Absolutely gorgeous!
(03.10.10)amazing story, amazing pictures. Way to go, both Becky and the Starks!
(03.10.10)These words and pictures are truly you, Becky! Absolutely love the rain picture! (and those boots) (and all the other pictures!) Fabulous!
(03.10.10)Absolutely amazing. Maybe my favorite blog post ever - gorgeous pictures and a truly inspiring story. So awesome! And I have to comment on how much I love the boots too. :)
(03.10.10)Amazing story, gorgeous lady, cute kids, awesome photos! Love it.
(03.10.10)Becky, my heart filled with joy, and my eyes with tears when I saw these pictures. They truely tell of your journey and the love that shines through you to others all around. You and the kids have became our hero, our example, and renews our faith in our wonderful God. You radiate his spirit that lives within you. Who knew the journey would be a blessing to all who love you so much. You are as a shinning star, wise beyond your years.....a true treasure on earth. I love you with all my heart, g-ma
(03.10.10)What can I say, but "WOW"!! Beautiful family, inspiring story, and precious pictures. May God continue to bless this family!
(03.10.10)Nana
I definitely need to re-read this everyday. You captured her spirit with both your words and photos! Awesome!
(03.15.10)I love checking your blog periodically. This is the first time I am leaving a comment and I must say, this post almost brought me to tears. Thank you for posting such a moving story through words and photos. Becky is a hero to us all.
(03.30.10)I love checking your blog periodically. This is the first time I am leaving a comment and I must say, this post almost brought me to tears. Thank you for posting such a moving story through words and photos. Becky is a hero to us all.
(03.30.10)This is a such a moving piece. Wow Amy - you guys always rock . Always.. But this is beyond picture taking and your special gift of photography.. This was very very special and you can see in your pictures how it moved you. :)
(04.05.10)This is a such a moving piece. Wow Amy - you guys always rock . Always.. But this is beyond picture taking and your special gift of photography.. This was very very special and you can see in your pictures how it moved you. :)
(04.05.10)