Maderville

Hands to Heaven
One of my all time favorite photos is the one of Sophie holding my thumb. It was on her announcement and I had it printed and framed for my office. I love that picture because when I was in the middle of those days that I couldn't look at her face without crying, I could always look at that picture and feel good about it. The other day a friend of mine called me to tell me that someone pretty special was going to be admitted to Hospice. She has been battling cancer for quite some time and finally decided that she wasn't going to continue treatment late last year. In December she took a cruise with some dear friends and from what I understand, had very good time. Yesterday, she was admitted to her home before her final home. The night I found out that was where she was going, I woke up several times thinking about her. I kept wondering if there was something I could do to help her in her short time left here on earth. I also kept thinking of all the people that she will leave behind. The song Hands to Heaven by Breathe kept playing in my head. The words HANDS TO HEAVEN kept coming back to me and so did the picture of Sophie's hands in mine. When I thought I might start a photography business I knew that some part of it had to give back and it had to be in God's glory. I didn't know what it was until last night. I called Martha's best friend and told her that I would be glad to come shoot some photos of her bible study group(who are also good friends of mine) and Martha. I told her that I would like to shoot all of their hands together and that if Martha wanted me to, I would shoot any other pictures she wanted me to. When you get to the point where you are admitted to hospice, you may not be looking your best and might not want to be remembered that way so I was trying to be respectful. Well, little Miss Sassypants Martha got her makeup on and posed for the camera like a pro and she was absolutely beautiful! At first it was very sad because when I got there she was telling her son goodbye. He had to fly back home to Phoenix and the emotion in his face was gut wrenching. After he left, she ate and got her makeup on and I had the privilege of shooting one of the bravest women I know. I was so blessed to be a part of this journey and more importantly, I am so humbled just being able to give this gift to some women I care so deeply for. At some point, I want to start an organization called Hands to Heaven. It will be a ministry of photographers and it will ask that they be willing to give a few sessions a month to someone that may be in hospice or to someone they know who is terminally ill free of charge. I had to leave so I could catch a flight to see my Daddy. In this picture Martha was telling me that she would be rocking Sophie soon and that she will take good care of her. I asked her to tell her that I love her and miss her. How could I get better than a messenger straight to my baby? It was an emotional moment for all of us and one I won't soon forget.