“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross


This past December my Aunt Andrea found out she had a rare form of cancer, so rare in fact that they have no stats on longevity. Signet ring cell cancer is usually found in the stomach, hers was found in her pancreas. 
She is in stage 3.

After already seeing her husband and a daughter through cancer battles and losing her son 7 years ago to heart problems, it seems unfair that life would throw such a strong courageous woman this curve ball. 

But if anyone can face this down with strength, steel, and beauty of spirit, it is definitely my Aunt Andrea.


On a day in January I went to visit my aunt to take some photos of her while she gathered with her children and grandchildren to celebrate two of her granddaughters' birthdays.

Savannah turned 10 and Emily turned 7.

Love and laughter was overflowing as the family gathered for the happy day.


Being with my Aunt Andrea, her husband Jim, her children, 
daughter in law, and grandchildren, made me feel a little sad for myself and I feel very selfish for admitting it under the circumstances.
The unconditional love and acceptance they all had for each other was palpable and something I have always found lacking from my own mother and siblings. Everyone should be so blessed to have a such a loving and supportive family.
It is just one more reason my Aunt Andrea needs to beat this demon, for she and her husband are truly the hub of this wonderful extended family dynamic.


Aunt Andrea is such a life force that her beauty just shines from inside her. I cannot imagine her not being surrounded by her wonderful family whom she clearly loves oh so very much.


On this day my Aunt Andrea asked me to document having her beloved daughter in law Darcy shave her head for her. Aunt Andrea's chemo treatments were causing hair loss and she decided to just be done with it all. 

With her family around her, she faced it like she faces everything in life she has found difficult. With dignity and strength, a few tears, and lastly with the beauty and light that shines from within her at all times.

I ask for anyone reading this post to please hold my aunt up in prayer.

Her family needs her.

I need her.

And this world needs more people like her.

Much love to this beautiful spitfire of a woman, Aunt Andrea.



Note: The day these photos were taken my aunt fell in her home and broke her leg. She is still recovering from this set back.