In the darkest night....   |   Monday, August 9, 2010




In a previous post, I spoke of a friend who wrote a book that I've been reading my way through.... she continually amazes me with her courage and the stories that would utterly paralyze me with fear and despair. But, somehow she mustered some kind of courage to fight her way back from the pits of hell. I find that her stories encourage me, they lift me up and they give me courage. I hope somehow to impart a bit of that to each and every woman I encounter through this project.

Meet Stephanie V. and her new friend through cancer, Maureen N. They brought such LIFE into the studio... Talk about a fun session. I think Maureen should have a second career as a comedienne. It was difficult to concentrate on what I was doing, I was laughing so much. We had a session that lasted twice as long as anyone else, we were having such a good time. But, you'd never know that these women both have been dealt a pretty big blow. The both suffer from the identical cancer, just different stages. One stage 3, one stage 4. Not fair for such young and vital women. Not fair for anyone. They currently are finished with Chemotherapy, but are undergoing radiation and then more continuing chemo... one of them for another TWO years!
But, they both are facing this head on, educating themselves, sharing treatment options, encouraging each other and with a big dose of humor. They were a delight. Stephanie says, "Cancer is a gift I was given." See the positive attitude? She knows that she wouldn't be the person she's become without cancer.

All that to say. It is only in the darkest of the dark that a small spark of light can be seen the brightest. Think about being in a cave and then lighting a match. That single light source will light that entire cave. Not enough to see all the details, but enough to illuminate a path to move forward, till you see the next few feet of the path... and again and again. We can be that small spark of light in someone else's darkness. We can encourage that spark of hope. We can help another to see that tiny bit of light. Sometimes with humor. Maureen shares, "Attitude is one of the few choices you have." Make someone laugh today.

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9 Comments :

Blogger GreenTuna said...

Two beautiful women inside and out. They didn't ask to be role models or inspirational figures, but that's exactly what they have become to so many. Courageous, strong, and full of life and love. I'm proud and blessed to know and love them both.

August 9, 2010 at 12:49 PM  
Blogger Carol, Song of Joy said...

Me, too, Terri. I told them about the project. Have known Maureen most of her life--"Green Tuna", too. Thank you for what you are doing. So very significant. And I'm delighted you have met these two and they have met you!

Many blessings,
Carol

August 9, 2010 at 1:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As one of Stephanie's friends from college, I always knew she was strong and beautiful. I have always been a little jealous of her and after seeing this photo, I am even more! Green with envy of her strength, faith, and beauty! THANK YOU BOTH!

August 9, 2010 at 1:38 PM  
Anonymous Christine said...

As someone who knows Maureen N., Stephanie K., Terri Shaver, Carol, and Green Tuna, I can honestly say what a wonderful, eclectic group of women this is. I think both Maureen and Stephanie look absolutely beautiful. It looks like I won't be able to rub Maureen's fuzzy little head anymore, but maybe Stephanie will provide me with that opportunity the next time I see her. And my favorite saying is "Woman plans, God laughs." May you both gain insight, patience and courage as to what is important in life through your "detour."

August 9, 2010 at 1:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't know Maureen, but I know SVK and was already in awe at courage, strength and such in incredible attitude throughout, augh, all of it (I echo what Terri said about feeling I would be the opposite - paralyzed with fear and despair.) But WOWSA! What a great picture. If that's puffy than I am in a permanent state of puffiness!! Some people just can't have super short hair and look great - you have to have beautiful bone structure -- and obviously, both of you do! You guys, Sinead O'Conner, and Janine Turner. You look really gorgeous.

August 9, 2010 at 3:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Martie said, "I know both of these women; one of them I have known since she was a child. At earlier times, they both gave evidence to the seed of courage, resilience, love, and humor which has buoyed them up through their battle with cancer. In fact, those seeds sprouted, and blossomed into inspiring models which encouraged me and others in so many ways. I think their faith has supported them, and because they are who they are, they have garnered so much support throughout this journey. Love you, Stephanie and Maureen!!

August 9, 2010 at 8:37 PM  
Blogger Rick said...

Pardon the pun on Vidal Sassoon, but long hair is overblown! You guys (gals) have always been beautiful - hair or no hair. Really. If you think of beauty as the reflected joy one gets in your presence - you have exuded beauty and joy in your outlook(s) on life and how you inspire folks directly through your work and indirectly through your example. You rock! We should all aspire to be as strong and positive through such challenges that we face in our lives.

August 10, 2010 at 11:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

maureen has been a best friend of mine for over 20 years!! amazing in every way!! she's never been stronger or more beautiful than she is today! moe rules!!

karen

August 10, 2010 at 3:52 PM  
Anonymous Chad said...

All I have to say is that Maureen (Aunt Mo) is not just a spark of light in people's live's she's a lighthouse! She's Amazing. And wow can she dance... :-)

-Chad

August 10, 2010 at 6:55 PM  

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