I absolutely love the Army life. There are so many great things about it and, like everything in life, there are a few negatives. One of the biggest that is a bit of both is the moving. We have just moved for the 3rd time in 3 years. That means having new neighbors and friends in the same amount of time. I am always afraid of where we will live and what our new neighborhood will be like. Will there be a nut case next door? Will I be considered the nut case next door? Will there be kids close in age to mine? You get the idea.
Our most recent move was a bit easier since I had friends moving to the same location at the same time and we knew where we were going to live. That in itself is a huge plus. One of my good friends, Alice, had also told me about my future neighbor since they were friends and it was all good. Whew!
I really had no idea just how lucky we were with our new neighbors. Meredith was so welcoming and had a daughter just one year older than mine. Score!! I slowly got to know her since we were still moving in and she has been here long enough to already have an established group of friends. She was quick to introduce us to as many folks as possible.
3 months after meeting her I noticed that she was rocking some very cool pink hombre style hair. I thought nothing of it since she has that kind of go where the wind blows personality. Shortly after I found out just why. She had been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. The amazing thing about Meredith is that it never showed. She was always smiling and never stopped her regular activities.
I mentioned to Alice that Meredith needed a photo session. I just love the light that shines through her and wanted to capture her true essence. I was up for doing the session or assisting Alice if that was more comfortable. Meredith was all for it and I just waited for the word.
You know just what a great person she is when you see how she is surrounded by so much love and support from friends and family. She has such a caring heart and selflessly gives of herself. I am sure that you too will see the beauty that is within come out in the photos.
We started her session at the Old Fort Bliss Replica.
She is a natural in front of the camera.
We finished up and headed out to our next location that I found when out and about with my friend and assistant, for this session, Dee. Meredith did a quick change in my car so we could do the next part of the session. It required a bit of a walk, uphill. It was the perfect spot. As we were walking I noticed a different spot that was calling her name. She just didn’t know it.
Gorgeous!!
She nailed the “whip it” technique.
Straight on, left side, right side…they all look good.
We finished up and started our uphill trek. There is an old turnstile at the top so we took advantage and then just had fun with the scenery. I’m pretty sure this is some sort of flood plain thing but it’s beautiful and no rain in sight so why not. Plus there are cyclists riding all around us so it must be okay.
I love the fun that she has with everything she does.
I have a rolling tote of stuff that I bring to sessions and I had forgotten about this long piece of pink satin. I pulled it out and she was up for my idea and she looked amazing.
Breathtaking!
Another quick wardrobe change and we moved on to the other side of the turnstile. All I told her was walk and play with the scarf.
True to form I packed up and we headed back to my car but as we passed the tree from earlier I noticed that the sun was in a perfect spot and I had to get just one more.
“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”
~ Christian D. Larson ~
A huge thanks to Dee for assisting me with this very special session. Thank you, Meredith, for allowing me to capture your beautiful soul and freeze it in time with these images. You are stronger than you know and the love of family and friends will see you through. Your friends said it best, “Cancer picked the wrong girl to mess with!”. We love you! Now go and…
FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!!
