Hello to everyone!
A couple of months ago I was one day from taking my blog down. I was having a week where I felt overwhelmed. I felt so badly that I hadn’t blogged all of my fall and winter families and didn’t know where I would find the 30 or so hours to catch up. I thought perhaps a website with galleries would be enough and I would buy some time back each week. But it’s interesting how life is sometimes….well most times. One afternoon I got a phone call from Kim. Kim is the sister of Kelly….whom this post is about. I have known Kelly for close to 10 years. We met when I worked at Labatt. Kelly and her family own M and M Sports Bar in Cambridge and she was one of my most regular calls each week. We did all that fun work stuff together…promotions, meetings about sales etc. I considered Kelly far more than a customer though. We became friends. Sharing lots about our lives over the years (and many beer “goodies” with her hubby Mike). Then came my time to retire from Labatt to be with my girls and to pursue another venture.
A year and a half later…the phone call from Kim. Kelly had breast cancer. I was floored. It really hit me hard. Kelly had seen me walk with my “Laurelwood Ladies” group in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer for two years. She was all set to do the walk herself last fall but her best friend and mother-in-law became very sick and passed away so Kelly was unable to do the walk. Kelly?! No way.
Kim wanted to do a photoshoot for Kelly and her incredible “boys” before she went in for her surgery. So we met one beautiful May evening and had a fantastic time together. We ended the evening with a steak bbq and a good catch up visit.
Kelly has since had her surgery and is doing well. She starts chemotherapy on Monday and will venture into the next phase of her treatment. Kelly is facing this journey with incredible strength, grace and beauty. Kelly is one of the kindest, selfless and generous people I know. She has a spirit and inner strength you don’t see everyday. Even before her diagnosis – this is the way I saw her. Since then it’s these qualities that have shone through even brighter. Kelly has the best family and a huge group of patrons and friends around her. A direct reflection of what she gives to the world. You are going to rock the lipstick and earrings Kel and I know we will be celebrating a year from now!
Kelly is sharing her journey with people through her blog at www.kellygettinggood.blogspot.com
Kelly’s sister, Kim, brought her camera along and we were able to talk “shop”. She too has a love for it! Thanks so much for thinking of me to take these pictures. I loved my time with all of you!
So….my blog is staying for good. You just never know who is following and reading.
All my love to you Kelly. xo
Six wonderful days old!
Seven months!
ONE!
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