• Photos

  • Level

  • Score

To Hell and Back

© Elaine Hessler

To Hell and Back

Uploaded: February 15, 2013

Description

Exif: F Number: 18, Exposure Bias Value: -0.67, ExposureTime: 1/13 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 1600, FocalLength: 29.00 mm, Model: NIKON D5100

Comments

Elaine Hessler February 15, 2013 0

Ok, this was a tough one for me. This is for Dale's challenge of the month. My cousin was just diagnosed with multiple myeloma, stage 3, and I just found out yesterday. I was thinking of her when I decided what my project would be-me with my 4 years worth of survivor's medals, specifically Hope in front. I am not comfortable doing self portraits, and there are so many things I don't like about this photo. I was going to reshoot this tomorrow, but I don't have the stomach for it, so here it is.

It will be 5 years for me June 8th. Maybe we should have a party on the Phellos trip? A drink would do too-perhaps a very strong one..... #1514850

Dale Hardin February 16, 2013 0

Very brave thing to do Elaine. Thanks for sharing your story with us. My daughter in law is a 15 year cancer survivor so I know that there is a bright side to go along with hope. God in his wisdom made us all perfect and we can't let fear of disease rob us of living a full and happy life. #10570103

Peter W. Marks February 16, 2013 0

Thank you Elaine and the moisture in my eyes is for you and our fellow-survivors and of course for those who passed too soon. As with Dale's daughter-in-law I am a 15 year colon cancer( twice) survivor and miss no opportunity to preach what your doctors tell you. If anyone is 50 or over, "go get that colonoscopy".
And yes, last years theme for the American Cancer Society's fund and awareness raising, Relay for Life events was "Hope".
My prayer will be for your cousin and "Amen" to Dale's thoughts. Our Lord has given me these 15 extra years and my lovely wife Elizabeth, and I have enjoyed that full and happy life for each of these years.
Thank you Elaine and may God continue to bless you. #10570449

Jeff E Jensen February 16, 2013 0

This is well done, Elaine!

I say a party is definitely in order! #10570757

Debbie E. Payne February 17, 2013 0

Thank you, Elaine for sharing your personal and painful journey. We all have things to be thankful for. It's focusing on the positives that keeps us sane. And yeah...sounds like a reason to party to me! Am looking forward to meeting you in person, Elaine.

Personally, I think you did a great job on your self-portrait. #10571843

Anthony L. Mancuso February 17, 2013 0

Excellent portrait with superb lighting and composition Elaine..thank you for sharing such a personal aspect of yourself.. #10571850

Elaine Hessler February 17, 2013 0

Well thank you all. As hard as it has been, I have a lot to be thankful for. The doctors put me back together pretty well and as isolating as this has been, I am having moments where I am starting to feel like I belong again. And most important of all, my daughter still has a mother.

Thank you for your comments Dale-it is comforting to me and I wish your daughter-in-law good health.

And Peter-thank you for sharing. Glad you are still around to share your input which always makes me laugh and smile. I hope you too have continued good health!

Thanks everyone for your kind comments-I can't wait to meet you too!

#10572030

Beth Spencer February 17, 2013 0

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I think every day we have is a gift and we need to remember that more some days than others.
I like your portrait!! #10572074

Brandi K. Mills February 19, 2013 0

I think your self portrait is very well done. I don't enjoy them either. But you should feel good about. You look great! And thanks for sharing your story. My mother just finished treatments for breast cancer. Really it caused us to look at life a little differently and evaluate what's really important and it brough us all closer together. #10574257

Rita K. Connell level-classic February 20, 2013 0

great self portrait, now I know where your daughter gets her beautiful red hair. Where would we be without HOPE? thanks for sharing part of your life with us, I believe its from all the sharing we have done with each other that has made this club so special. I am glad you are doing so well, my thoughts will be with your cousin. #10575507

Elaine Hessler February 21, 2013 0

Thank you:) Brandi I hope your mom is doing well-it is a great feeling to be done with treatments. I was so lucky to not have chemo, but I had 4 major surgeries over 18 months. It pretty much sucked.

Thanks again for the kind comments and thoughts. And thanks for listening. Can't wait to meet you all.

I am going to take this down tomorrow and post something much more pleasant! A sign of spring.... #10578079


To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.

You &

Love It!


Copyright for this photo belongs solely to Elaine Hessler.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.