Kim

Kim kept a copy of this poem tacked up by her desk once returning to work after her treatment for breast cancer.

When she reached out to me about an idea for a session celebrating her battle, I responded immediately with a ‘hell yes!’

It all came together so serendipitously. I happened to be in her area that week and we were able to meet in person. We talked about ideas, and I got to hear some of her story. A remarkable and inspiring story, though she is so modest when I say so.

I think, generally speaking, we are too often quick to dismiss or overlook this well of inner strength inside of us. So a session meant to celebrate this strength … that is something I want more of! I feel like this is the kind of work that I was meant to do. Collaborating with another, sharing space together talking about the things we feel deeply, the struggles we face, how they transform us, how they offer opportunities for growth, the beauty, grace, and surrender experienced. The kind of conversations that leave a lasting imprint, I will be forever grateful for these moments.

Thank you, Kim, for trusting me with your story.

I truly hope that sharing some of her images will not only celebrate this wonderful human, but might also inspire others to at the very least consider their own well of inner strength. That you, too, might see a piece of yourself, a glimpse of your own strength.

I wanted to end with this image, a combination of an image I took and some of her images. As part of her healing, Kim collected sunrise images. Every day. She called this collection ‘New Dawn New Day’. As she shared her images, the healing spread, uplifting others in hard times. The gifts of deep gratitude and tenacious hope.