If you need a reminder of how precious life is today, click on these photographs. Not only do they tell the tragic story of a young woman’s fight against breast cancer, but they also show the love and compassion her husband felt for her. These are among the most touching photographs I have ever seen in my life. They capture the smallest details of pain, love, and courage. Each one tells a story.
I feel lucky to be alive, healthy, and ready to spend the day with family. I hope you do, too.
oliviaobryon 
Thank you for sharing this, Olivia. I needed to be reminded how lucky we are today. Those black and white photographs tell so much. {{{Hugs]}} Kozo
I needed the reminder, too. Life is crazy.
Ditto to Kozo. Some of the photos remind me of when my colleague passed away from colon cancer a couple of years ago. But, you’re right … it’s a reminder of how precious we should treat our lives and those around us. Incredible pictures that tell such a difficult story. Thanks for sharing.
I think that is why those pictures are so hard– we all know someone or multiple someones who have lost the battle against cancer. For me, it was the details, so small, like the looks on other people’s faces, that hit a nerve. I don’t think I ever looked closely enough at my grandparents who passed. I was too young or too afraid to really see.
Too many people are afraid to look death in the eye. These pictures are a good reminder of why it is worth it. I’ll need to remember this in the next few years ahead. My parents are getting there. I tend to be resistant to some of this stuff, not because I fear death, but I don’t have the patience for a lot of it. The visits to the hospital, the visits to the old folks home, all of that. I should remember these pictures when their time comes.
Agreed. I think that’s why I fell in love with the story behind them. Her husband clearly still loved her deeply to see these details in the middle of such a tragic time. A lot of people would look the other way, he didn’t. I admire him for that. I hope to treat all the people in my life with the same love/dignity– you make a good point.
Reblogged this on neuroticnancy and commented:
My friend Olivia posted this and reminded me to be thankful every day. What are you thankful for?
When the attorney on my staff passed away from colon cancer, my assistant was there for the last day or two. She was at the bedside, doing everything that needed to be done, while the woman’s family was out in the family room and dining room. I know that my assistant wanted to be there, doing what she was doing because she promised to Kristin that she would be there for her until the end. But, I also know that she was very troubled by how her family reacted in that final day or two. I can understand why they might, but I hope I never do. Those we love and care about, who we have spent so much time with, deserve far better than that.
Full-heartedly agreed. Someone I love dearly asked me to stay away. I refuse. Love is always. I’m reading Cheryl Strayed’s Wild right now. I think you would appreciate it if you haven’t read it already.
Such beauty and sadness all in one collection of photographs. Life has to be appreciated every day.
Very much agreed.