Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Team Teal Tuesday - Behind the Smiles


After a trip to visit my mom last August, I was working on some Project Life pages and I was struck by all of the genuinely happy faces in the photos of the people I love. If anyone were to look at those photos, they'd swear we were on top of the world with happiness. I knew better.


I wanted to document just how we were all dealing with Mom's cancer, so I created a little fold-over page with some other photos that needed to be included, but that I didn't necessarily want on a main page.


My journaling reads:

August 3 - 6, 2012 ~ It's such a blessing to have a family that enjoys time together. My siblings and I can't help but share a few laughs on those occasions. But now, in between moments of joy, are moments of cancer. Those moments of worry, suffering, and the unknown - the heartbreaking sadness in the faces of the ones we love.

There are moments of gratitude, of love and devotion, and of sorrow like I have never known before. My mom's cancer has changed everything; has changed each of us.

One thing cancer will never change is our spirits, or our love for our mom and each other. And even though we live in these moments of cancer, we will still find moments of joy.


This week we will enjoy each other's company during our Thanksgiving holiday and I know we will be missing our mom terribly, but there will be lots of joy. It's what she taught us, and it's what we do. {Thanks, Mom! We love you so much! xo}

17 comments:

Ruth said...

That's a wonderful thing for your PL album and your journaling is perfect. xx

Cheri said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

alexa said...

Very moving writing - and I can see how much of your Mum's spirit you have inherited :). Wishing you joyful moments too ...

scrappyjacky said...

I hope you share some joyful moments together this week.

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Behind the smiles were some beautiful thoughts, my friend. I know that the first everything is so hard. But I am thankful you have each other to get through it. Love ya, kiddo! Happy Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving to my wonderful Cousins!!! I hope you have a great time together.

Sian said...

This is a good thing you did. Really good.

I hope you all have a nice Thanksgiving x

debs14 said...

It's absolutely right that you should include this in your project life. It's a big part of your year and it is important to remember that in times of great sadness, there were also times of happiness. A good idea to have some hidden journalling on this page.
Have a lovely thanksgiving!

Karen said...

Happy Thanksgiving; I'll be thinking of you. All the first holidays without loved ones are especially hard.

Alison said...

Your mom must be SO proud of you Deb...it will be hard, but you will find the happy moments too
Hugs
Alison xx

Becky said...

Hope you have some wonderful moments this week and enjoy remembering your wonderful Mom - Happy Thanksgiving xx

Jimjams said...

What a beautiful way to document the harder side of life, but what a testament to the human spirit that you and your family will find a way to smile through it all. Have a great Thanksgiving celebration and raise a toast to your dear Mum xxx

Margaret said...

I am so glad you could see joy in such a difficult time. That is not something I am always so skilled at.

Amy said...

Your writing is beautiful Deb and I think it is wonderful that you have chosen to document such a difficult time in your family's life.

humel said...

Good for you. Yes, this kind of reality should be there in your project too, but this is a great way to include it xx

Lisa-Jane said...

That's a great idea and a wonderful way to remember both the smiles and the memories behind them.

Maria Ontiveros said...

Those butterflies are lovely. What a heart felt post. I need to take a picture of Paul this weekend, with his bald head, but it's hard to accept.
Rinda

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