tara kuhlow photography

I know, I know…I’m a little behind with the announcement of my Giving is Awesome winner (first blogged about here). I appreciate your patience and loyalty and now, drumroll please…our winner! Her name is Carole, and she was nominated by her younger sister Kathy (who also happens to be my sister-in-law!). I was so moved to receive an unexpected and beautiful letter from Kathy describing why she feels her big sister deserves this gift.

Part of the letter reads: “This September will be 2 years since Carole was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma [a cancer of the plasma cell]. She went through stem cell transplants a year ago  and has been doing really well until just recently. The chemo is affecting her now, so the doctors are trying other types, but so far nothing is bringing it under control.” She describes her beloved sister as “our Switzerland. No matter what, Carole is always there for us other kids and she mothers the rest of us (to our annoyance sometimes!). I am very lucky to have her.”

Kathy goes on to share her great wish that Carole, her son and daughter, and 3 grandchildren (“two really adorable boys and a little princess”) enjoy the gift of time with each other. I truly share her belief that beautiful images of this family together, celebrating their love and hope, would be treasured forever.

We are trying to work out the details for our session, as Carole, her family and I are spread out across the state. Her day-to-day health is unpredictable, and she was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital last week. She will hopefully go home sometime in the next few days. Prayers for continued strength and healing for Carole would be greatly appreciated.  I am very much looking forward to spending time with this strong, devoted and deserving family sometime soon.

Thanks, Kat, for sharing your sister’s heartfelt and inspirational story with me. It’s obvious that she’s lucky to have you, too. And so am I.

♥ t.