Stronger

Have you ever wanted to jump for joy and cry at the same time? Well today was one of those days for me. I was driving when Brian called. "We had the best offer on the house so it looks like we could be home owners." "Cool," I said with some enthusiasm. It was tough for me to wrap my brain around the idea because I was headed to the doctor's office.

I have been afraid of going to the doctor since I can remember. For most people the fear is being stuck with a needle or stepping on the scale. For me it's what the doctor has to say, and today it was something I was not ready to hear, "With your condition you can expect to have surgery every ten years. It may not be what happens, but you should be aware of it."

Surgery? That seven-letter word made my palms sweaty and my stomach turn upside down. I had surgery five years ago and I am doing just fine. I finished listening to my doctor and I returned to the car feeling defeated by Crohn's Disease.

When I got home I looked at my work space and I picked up a card that I received from a client just yesterday. I began to read it. "Jackie--We just wanted to send a note of thanks for our engagement session on Saturday. We both enjoyed it more than we thought we would. We are SO excited to see the photos! You did such a great job and we are so happy to have you for our photographer. Until May! Erin and Adam"

Tears filled my eyes, and as I blinked I could feel them leave watery trails down my cheeks. Their thank you card meant the world to me and I am incredibly blessed to document their wedding day in May.

Today wasn't easy, and I feel more vulnerable now that I have shared this with you, but I cannot hide how my challenges have made me a better a person, wife and photographer. With my husband's support and my love for photography, I know I can achieve anything. We get one life so we must live it with love, passion and laughter!

Here is the picture of the week from Queenstown, New Zealand.
f/4
1/800
ISO 100