Wednesday, June 10, 2009

i don't really talk about it


if you know me, you know how ironic it is that, on my Mom's last day of chemotherapy, Lisa Raitt is on the cover of the Chronicle Herald with her cancer comments in print. Fresh off the
Wifag OF370 coldset printing press.

unless asked, i don't really talk about it with anyone. 
not marse. 
not mom. 
not the boys. 
nobody.

it scared the shit out of me.

i feel comfortable behind the camera,
a silent observer of sorts.

so mom & i agreed that we'd shoot the last treatment. 
to celebrate it.
not to fear it.

we also told Lola that Nanna was going to be around for a long, long time.

her courage to let us post this slideshow says more than I can ever tell you about how strong she is.

you rock Mom.

xo





17 Comments:

Anonymous TM said...

I haven't seen the slideshow yet, and I was aware you had an ill family member. You are an awesome person. This blog and the atttitude towards the whole thing is truly and inspiration. Thanks!

June 10, 2009 at 11:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

best. slideshow. ever.

June 10, 2009 at 11:24 PM  
Blogger rachel said...

Liam, I have no words.
This is beyond moving, and yes, Your Mom will be around a very long time.
Celebrate.

June 10, 2009 at 11:44 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks so much Liam. I wish I was there to return the 1,000 perfect hugs I've gotten from Judy over the years.

June 11, 2009 at 12:13 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That was the most moving slideshow I have ever seen. Judy you are absolutely AMAZING both inside and out. It's beautiful,strong women like yourself that make being a nurse worth every moment;) Joann

June 11, 2009 at 12:46 AM  
Anonymous Cynthia said...

Liam, that is the most wonderful tribute. You captured it all...... I could feel it all. I had to watch it twice..... The second time I could see the pictures more clearly. I know you didn't do it for me......but THANK YOU! Talk about it or not, I HEARD you. xo

June 11, 2009 at 2:28 AM  
Anonymous Rhoda said...

That's my Baby Sister. My true Soul Sister. My "twin". My hero. We shared texts today during chemo, from Red Deer to Halifax and back, from early morning. I wept tears of profound love and of jubilant joy at the mountain she has climbed. I was privileged to be there to share some of the climb. It's not sexy.

Liam, you are a gift - to your Mom (because she tells me so), and to those whose lives you touch in such meaningful ways. Like this. I truly know how much courage it took for you to shoot this today, to capture the profile in courage that you call "Mom". God bless you, my darling. God bless you.

How would I describe the impact of this magnificent tribute? This is POWERFUL. Beautiful. Honest. Raw. Poignant. Inspiring. Captivating. Provocative. Comforting. Victorious. Celebratory. Look at the gentle caring of those dear nurses as they tend to this wonderful woman. It's my sister Judy showing the world how to "do life". Do you realize how much your own precious heart shows through the lens. I love her. I love you. I thank you. From the bottom of my heart, dear Leo. What else can I say.....

"Aunt Rhoda"
xoxoxo

June 11, 2009 at 3:47 AM  
Anonymous Allyson N said...

What a perfect way for you to capture this moment in both your lives. You are God's gift to one another. Live, love, laugh and embrace every moment given to you. With love for both of you....Allyson

June 11, 2009 at 9:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thats really powerful... and empowering! Way to own it, Liam's mum!

June 11, 2009 at 10:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Liam, such a beautiful slideshow about a harsh and hard experience... wow is all I can really say
Renee

June 11, 2009 at 10:32 AM  
Anonymous cheryl said...

your mom is beautiful. and this slideshow is gorgeous.

June 11, 2009 at 11:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beautiful slideshow, very moving. I wish you and your mother well.

June 11, 2009 at 11:47 AM  
Anonymous Nirah said...

Beautiful, Liam, really beautiful....

June 11, 2009 at 12:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"A picture is worth a thousand words", your slideshow tells a story of love, fear, strength beyond strength, medicine, media,courage, and the most of all..the power of love and support.

I have also climbed this climb with my Mum and though the thought of the illness stills terrifies me, the hours, days spent sitting by her side during chemo are moments I will cherish for life.

Thank you for reminding me to hug the ones I love and forgive the ones I do not. Your Mum is a strong, strong woman and your pictures portray this beautifully.

June 11, 2009 at 3:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If we all had an ounce of that strength we would be mighty people!!
Love Hannem

June 11, 2009 at 8:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A picture's worth a thousand words, a slideshow leaves me speechless.

Love,
Sue and Sean Rose
xoxo

June 14, 2009 at 4:38 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Liam,

You're mother is a brave soul. This was very good of you..

Anthony

June 16, 2009 at 7:58 PM  

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