-
my friend, a f’ing hero! (aka the nev family)
So I’ve been holding on to posting this for many months. 9 months to be exact. This is my BFF Jen and her awesome family who you’ve seen before here on the blog many times over many years. These photos were taken in the very early fall of last year for their family Christmas card mostly, but they had way more importance than that. Last August Jen found a lump in her breast. Let me preface that by saying that this girl is VIGILANT about annual mammograms and checkups and just 9 months prior to August, she got an all-clear on her latest mammogram. All clear. Within those 9 months, she went from totally clear, to having breast cancer-breast cancer big enough to feel in a self exam. Let that sink in. She was diagnosed with Stage 1. She opted for a double mastectomy because of family history and the likelihood of recurrence and really, who needs that worry. So she took the best option for her health (and i still can’t imagine having to make that choice, how she did it with grace and dignity and so much fucking bravery!!) had the surgery, months and months of the worst chemo with the worst side effects (all the shitty side effects you’d expect including losing her hair, sickness, pain etc) then weeks of radiation 5 days a week with all of those related bullshit complications (including burnt skin).
Until today. Today is the day she is DONE.
I still couldn’t be more proud to call this bad ass motherfucker warrior my friend. This girl who always, always had a positive attitude (she said she had her moments, but she never ever gave up fighting. For herself, for her husband and family, for her boys). And that makes her the bravest person I know. Not only did she beat this monster, but came out stronger on the other side. She still has some stuff to do in her recovery, at least one more surgery reconstruction and other things to do. But she made it! I am so lucky to have her in my life and knowing that she’ll be here for a long, long time to listen to my bullshit and help me like she always does just makes me so happy. And relieved. So relieved.
I love you so much my friend! And I am so fucking proud of you!!
(posted with permission)
-
halloween ’17
Only took these two photos of the crew. And the first year in 18 years I didn’t go trick or treating with my kids. Timmy went out on his own with his friends and J&P are at college. To top it off, we only had like 4 trick or treaters. Oh well, at least there were scary movies on tv all month.
-
jack & patrick graduate
I’m a very proud mom. Four years of hard work, commuting by train (and subway, and bus, and taxi), learning SO much and becoming men for others. Regis High School was an amazing experience and one I’m so glad they had. They are so different than they were when they started. Some pictures from the day yesterday.
The 6:32 crew. All the RVC guys who took the train together for 4 years.
The seniors from the Regis Baseball team.
Happy. and Happier.
-
jack & patrick’s prom
So even my own family has to wait for me to get around to editing their pictures! A few weeks ago Jack & Patrick had their Regis senior prom. We had a little pre-prom here for the boys & their friend Pierce and their dates and families. (the whole NYC school thing throws many wrenches into everything!) but I was happy that I could take a few pictures before they went into the city for the party. For those of you who still can’t tell, Patrick is in the bowtie and Jack is in the regular tie and vest. Both their girlfriends (Katie/Patrick Claire/Jack) looked beautiful, as did Pierce’s date Elizabeth.
Honestly, I can’t believe we’re “here”. Prom, graduation, college. Oy vey.
-
patrick & katie go to the prom
Patrick and his girlfriend Katie (if you’re a blog stalker, you’ll recognize Katie from her sweet 16 and a few family sessions i’ve done for them over the years. Love, love this family so much!) went to her prom a few weeks ago. They really do make a great couple, and pretty good looking if I do say so myself. So I’m a little partial. Look for part two in a few more weeks when Patrick takes Katie to his prom.
