I remember waiting to hear
the news about what the neurologist said at that initial appointment. They were headaches
that were most likely migraines and nothing to worry about. Whew, a sigh of
relief. Then days later- a panicked
phone call from one of my best friend’s in the whole world – you know, the kind
of friend that feels like a sister. The kind of friend that you love so much –
the kind of friend that her pain is your pain.
I remember Eda telling me that William’s MRA preliminary results had
come in and that they were sending him straight to the ER to be admitted. I
had this pit in my stomach – and there our journey began.
It has been one of the
hardest things to watch Eda and William fight this battle. They did not choose
cancer...it chose them. I have been blown away by the amazing strength, courage , composure, grace, hope and faith that they have demonstrated
thus far in their fight against brain cancer.
Anyone that knows this beautiful family knows how great they are. They
are blessings to all that know them, and their two girls are the the
most precious dolls!!
So many thoughts went
through my head the first month while we were all adjusting to this diagnosis.
One of the first things that came to mind was the importance of capturing the moment. To capture the big things, the small things,
and all the things in between that we might take for granted. To take photographs
and make hard copies of memories. To
live fully and love deeply - the right here, right now. This was their new
story. Not the one they wanted nor chose, but the hand they were dealt.
I could think of no better way to capture
the moment than to send an email to the
most amazing photographer I know, Shalonda Chaddock, asking for a favor. I stumbled across Shalonda, photographer
behind Chubby Cheek Photography, years ago and she immediately stole our heart.
She is one of those unique individuals
that just has a glow and sense of warmth about her. I am serious. She just
radiates energy and happiness and has this larger than life personality. Not
only that but she’s just one of those people that always go above and beyond
and inspires. Her pictures say it all
without any words. Her pictures are the
kind that capture relationships - every essence of the joy, love, laughter, and
intimacy shared between families. Her pictures are absolutely beautiful
treasures that capture the heart and soul of her client. They show love. They
tell stories. Not only is she oh so
talented behind the camera, but she also has a heart of gold, and her reply to
me came as no surprise. It read something along the lines of … Honestly I
didn’t even have to read your entire email because I didn’t need to, but I will
tell you that I am more than willing to do a free mini session. She has a total servant’s heart of gold and such
a incredible act of kindess for a total stranger. I wanted to share with all
of you these amazing pictures that so beautifully capture the love shared between this special family. These pictures tell a story of love but
also in their eyes, I can see hope, faith, courage, tenacity, and perseverance.
It’s everything they are fighting for---their family!
I have been amazed at the
outpouring of kindness, compassion, and support for William and Eda. Team
William is a dream team. I can tell you
that the overwhelming support that has poured in has indeed lifted them up...even
in their darkest moments. There is something true about strength in numbers. You
can feel it. We are stronger together, and it has been humbling and exciting all
at the same time to see family, friends, and even total strangers band
together. Here is a quote that is close
to my heart. Margaret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed people can change the world.” While I don’t know if that
is totally true, I do know that a small group of thoughtful, committed
people can change individual lives in the world. Thank you for loving my dear
friend and being such an important part of our growing group, Team William,
to mobilize support for William and Eda.
We can make a difference in their lives and unite with them as they hold strong
to hope, show unwaivering faith and patience, and continue to gain strength in
their fight against cancer.
Don’t forget to come out to our great
benefit on October 26th!! We are going to literally surround William
and Eda and their girls with so much love on this day and along the way, are
going to raise some funds that will help cover their mounting medical costs.
Spread the word! Hope to see you all there!
Love, Charlotte Eccles
No comments:
Post a Comment