Words from the Beauty + Strength Giveaway Winner…
“I’ve always believed that a picture is so much more than taking an image, a good photograph will capture the essence and emotion deep within. I wanted to document this chapter in my life and that is exactly what Valentina Pardi MacGregor at Valentina Portraiture was able to do for me. She was able to capture the sadness, heartache, and grief that I have been experiencing for almost two years as she also captured the happiness and hope that I have been blessed to have during this second chance at life. As I’ve mentioned before, my life lately has been a topsy turvy rollercoaster of a ride with both its highs and lows and I can truly say that I have learned to embrace both.
What you see on my belly is the colostomy that I ended up with due to a surgeon’s error or negligence while trying to fix a colon prolapse. I admit that at the beginning I wanted to die instead of having to live with this for possibly the rest of my life. I was unfamiliar with what an ostomy was and had very negative preconceived notions. I thought I could not live a normal life, that I would stink all the time, and be confined to my home. Thank goodness I was wrong! I have pretty much gone on to lead a pretty much normal life. Of course I have my limitations, and yes, sometimes I’ve had “accidents” , but I can honestly say I do not hate my ostomy, it saved my life and I feel absolutely no shame in stating that I have one.
Why post something so personal? Well, because there are 100,00 people that end up with an ostomy each year usually due to Chrons, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, colon cancer or lower abdominal cancers, or like me due to surgeon error. But I also do it to try and give hope to people that might be going through something that seems insurmountable. I believe we have an innate power to heal and that it is ok to feel your emotions whatever they may be. It is through acknowledging and sitting with our pain and not labeling it as negative that we get through it however uncomfortable it maybe. Healing can sometimes be an isolating journey, but know that you are not alone. Reach out, there is support out there, I was surprised by how many support groups are on Facebook. As an EMDR therapist myself, I highly recommend looking into EMDR therapy, I’m always amazed at how effective it is!
Lastly, I really don’t know what my future holds for me and I know there are tough times ahead of me but all I can say is that I am scared but also hopeful and determined.
- Martha
Next week, this amazing woman will undergo surgery, will you please keep her in your thoughts and prayers? She and her family deserve the best outcome. <3