Jessica Holden Photography » My Little Corner of the Web

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We All Scream for Ice Cream!

There’s a story behind these photos…

I am a member of an online photography forum that is near and dear to my heart, called ClickinMoms. It’s a wonderful group of mostly women of all skill levels–our common link is that we share a passion for photography. When you are actively involved in a community like that, you find yourself in the unusual position of sharing in the lives of people you’ve never met, people who become more than just names and avatars to you. Over the last few months one in particular has prominently featured in my thoughts. She is a young mother, younger than I am, a non-smoker, who was tentatively diagnosed with lung cancer. Started by a single post on the board eloquently expressing the turmoil in her heart, the theme all of us eating ice cream together across the miles has come to symbolize to us her both her struggle and our collective prayers for a long and happy future for her and her family.

Today was her surgery, and in the days leading up to this my thoughts have turned more and more toward her. I felt helpless, and I wanted to feel like I was doing something to brighten this time for her. Emily and I brainstormed, and we decided that maybe we could all post photos on the board with a theme of ice cream. Here’s what Emily and I came up with, while having ice cream for lunch today in honor of Lisa:

I admit, the smiles came much more easily when her husband posted earlier today that there is tentatively great news: The surgeon this morning didn’t think it looked like cancer! I don’t think her oncologist has told them anything definitive yet, and she was still in surgery then and nothing has been posted since, but we are keeping her and her family in our hearts…

I will come back and edit this post when I know more!

**Update!!** It’s official: It’s not cancer!!!! She has what’s called “interstitial pneumonitis”, which is a lung disease that will need to be monitored, but is not life-threatening. She’ll be in the hospital for a few more days recovering from a difficult surgery, but then she will get to return to the happy (and oh-so-relieved) arms of her family!

  • Tracey - June 16, 2011 - 7:30 pm

    These photos and the story behind it just made my day that much more hopeful. I was having a very crappy day, nothing wrong, just a lame day. Knowing that there is this collective group supporting someone through a very difficult time, with thoughts, prayers, and photos…how awesome and special this group is! My prayers are with your friend, too. I love the idea of “photo sharing for support or therapy” (there should be a name for this!).ReplyCancel

  • heidi - June 17, 2011 - 7:37 am

    Beautiful images. Oh, I am praying for Lisa too!ReplyCancel

  • staceyrw - June 17, 2011 - 8:07 am

    Wonderful Jessica! I shared my support (aka ice cream pic) on the CM link!ReplyCancel

  • Kim Kravitz - June 17, 2011 - 12:48 pm

    Yummy ice cream!!! I just adore your images! I love your lifestyle style. Great work!!ReplyCancel

  • Nance Heidemann - June 17, 2011 - 9:17 pm

    Your daughter is so sweet! Love these ice cream images!! So happy to be a part of the supportive CM community and so happy for our friend.ReplyCancel

  • Monica Wilkinson - June 18, 2011 - 8:05 pm

    Em looks so happy!!! Now I want some ice cream!!! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Lacey - June 18, 2011 - 8:24 pm

    I love that you and Em did this, Jessica! I am so amazed at how CM pulled together in prayer and support for her and how we’ve rejoiced with her now that her good news has been given! Thank you for starting the Ice Cream Pic idea!ReplyCancel

  • Brun - June 19, 2011 - 2:04 am

    She’s got such good coloring. The photos are amazing, so joyous and now luckily their are such good news. Fabulous.ReplyCancel

  • Alli - June 19, 2011 - 7:46 am

    I love these ice cream images! You did such a fab job of putting them into a storyboard too…just perfect!ReplyCancel

  • Jen Cooke - June 19, 2011 - 1:57 pm

    Great shots!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa (Tout Petit Pixel) - June 20, 2011 - 1:57 am

    Yummy!!!! I love that you were inspired to do this in honor of Lisa <3
    Your daughter is simply gorgeous as ever!!!ReplyCancel

  • April Nienhuis - June 20, 2011 - 10:23 am

    These are beautiful! Lisa would love them!ReplyCancel

  • Mrs. Fun - June 20, 2011 - 10:00 pm

    These are so fun!!! Love the colors and she is so cute. Her sweet personality shines here.ReplyCancel

  • Mel - June 23, 2011 - 7:54 am

    I love this series of pictures…..great idea!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa Sheehan - July 15, 2011 - 6:34 pm

    Gasp! I just found this. Oh…. how surreal to read a post about yourself. Wow. I’m speechless. Truly.

    Oh… and… um…. I think we might be close in age…. but I LOVE that you think I’m YOUNG!! 😀ReplyCancel