Complete Surrender

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to photograph the most interesting/inspiring shoot yet.

Dorine, a dear friend of the family had been diagnosed with cancer. After all her treatments, she asked me if I could take pictures of her to celebrate this battle with cancer. I was really excited for this shoot and I think it turned out better than expected! I want to thank you Dorine for being such a wonderful model! This photo shoot did change my perception of life and I wish you all the health in the world! xox

And because I am far from being a writer, I decided I would let Dorine explain her story. Here is what she wrote:

“Complete Surrender”
For those who know me, know that I’m very independent and that I don’t like to have to rely on people for anything. That’s just the way I am. So having to go through cancer and chemotherapy was no walk in the park. It was a complete surrender and I think this was just as difficult than the actual illness. Overnight I had to adjust my life and get out of my comfort zone. I was in the most vulnerable place I had ever been in my life and had to rely on family, friends, doctors and nurses for everything. I had no choice to let them see me so raw and vulnerable. I thank the sweet Lord for the people who supported me through this journey! I will be forever grateful to all of you!

Now that I’ve won the battle against cancer, I can say that I’m very proud and happy to have a second chance to love life again and embrace every precious moment-good and bad.

As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in the waiting room of the oncology centre (as I’m here for a follow-up). I somehow feel inspired and full of hope and know I will receive good news today from my oncologist. I look around and see all the people who are waiting for their treatment. Some of them are already bald, some are wearing a wig, some are sporting a scarf or hat and some have not lost hair at all. I sit here and pray for each and every individual that comes through these doors…….. That God will give them the strength and courage to battle so that they too can be in the same place as I am today. I also pray for the doctors and nurses and staff of the centre as well as the generous people who donate their time and money for this centre. Without them, we wouldn’t stand a fighting chance. To my dear Mother, who has taught me how to love as big as the sky…….I now have a different kind of appreciation for the battle you have been going through for the past seven and half years. I pray that you too will be in a place to celebrate soon, xo!

This photo shoot, in a sense, was also a complete surrender being out of my comfort zone…….being raw and vulnerable. I am however pleased to say that it symbolizes a rebirth, a makeover……….a celebration of love and life. It’s a turning point in my life of which I am very happy to turn the page and move on!!! Victory is indeed sweet!!!

Thank you Phil for capturing this victory so that when I look back I can taste the sweetness. Thank you for taking part of this moment in my life and for being so patient with me! You’re an amazing photographer (a magician!!!) with a very bright future!!!!

The photoshoot was a gift from my niece Jessica, the sunshine of my life.
Merci Jess!! Je t’aime grand comme le ciel!
Dor, xoxo