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In 2007 I made a new friend. Unfortunately due to the tragic loss of another. Funny how things happen.
We connected later again coincidentally, while Darren and I were going through our worst nightmare with Sofia.
They, had just welcomed a new beautiful girl to their family… but all was not good. Sometimes, the only people who understand your pain are the ones that are feeling it too. Well, that’s how I felt anyway. I always knew we had it way better than them, and I’m sure they thought others had it way worse than they did. Pain is pain and in the end, all relative.
I really thought that unless you were going through it, you really had no idea how I felt.
Their little girl was diagnosed not long after birth with a disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa. What is Epidermolysis Bullosa ?
Please read the link. It seems simple in my head to explain and the reasoning of why it happens is black and white. But for me, that is also mixed with many brutal feelings and complexities. I’m just not qualified to do so.
Who would think there was such a disease? Skin blistering at the very slightest of touch. Causing issues that knock me back in my seat some days. Most days.
I have never thrown my kids in the air, or plopped them in the bath, or do anything of the sort without thinking about them. The degree of injury from the smallest bump, would still you. I really encourage and ask that you educate yourself about this rare disease.
I recommend you pop by and see little Raquel and her *eyelashes*. Go ahead, wrap your head around her parents grace and devotion while your at it. http://raquelhultman.blogspot.com/
You’ll find other links on their blog, one being Tripp’s. The videos of this boy playing drums blows me away, makes me weep, and fills my heart with a crazy amount of love. I could watch them all day. http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/
Today is the second day of EB awareness week.
I have been inspired, and planned for a long time to do my best to give back, starting the first day of this week. I have decided to sell a fine art image that I took just for this cause.
I knew what I wanted, and it took me three whole weeks and hours driving around Strathcona County to find it!
The first day of EB awareness week was here, I had nothing.
Nothing was perfect enough.
At one final attempt, I loaded all three girls in the truck and we drove NW this time.
About a half hour in, on a dirt rural road is where I found it.
I parked too steeply on the small bank, and almost rolled my truck with my daughters in it. Like really almost did.
Also, cut my leg substantially on barbed wire after sliding down a hill.
This is somewhat of an inside joke, as I can here Raquel’s father responding with something along the lines of- What’s your point? You didn’t break a bone, or come really close to dying? Boring!!
Anyway,
It was small.
Full of thorns.
So delicate that when a gust of wind blew a branch off, the piece I picked up practically disintegrated in my hand.
It was perfect.
A perfect place for beauty. For hope.
We are no longer in that place of sadness with Sofia. (knock on wood) So when we grew out of it, and so many stayed. My pain remained.
I would do or give anything for the hope that this disease be cured. After reading about this disease, unknown to so many…I know you will too.
Wherever this piece found a place in your home, I know one thing’s for sure- It will bring you more joy than any canvas from Home Sense ever could.
This is the first of what will be- “The Butterfly Series”
All proceeds from this image will be donated to DEBRA CANADA. A non profit organization with a vision “To heighten awareness of EB and to be a source of support and comfort for EB families”
So much love,
Michelle
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Image is sold in two sizes, in two different ways.
8×12 printed professionally on fine art textured paper- 130
8×12 printed professional on luxe quality fine art canvas and wrapped on 3/4′ inch board protected and ready to hang- 200
16×24 printed professionally on fine art textured paper- 330
16×24 printed professional on luxe quality fine art canvas and wrapped on 3/4′ inch board protected and ready to hang- 400
please contact me at michelle@bluepetalphotography.com for all orders and inquiries!
Man, I have been such a bad blogger! Like Iv’e said in the past, I took some time to reflect on what I really wanted to do with this business, more so, how I wanted my art & images to reflect on who I really am.
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