Abbey

Do you see that picture? That picture is SO FREIKING COOL. It's of my darling friend Abbey. I've written about her in another place. If you know me, you know some of her story too. I totally shoplifted that picture from her facebook and now I'm totally blogging about it and about her without her permission. I'm about to offer you a little "review" of that photograph. Totally unsolicited and without permission from the artist who took the picture or the model in the picture. I'm about to step over some boundaries, but I don't even care. I'm a great friend, huh?

Here is a list of reasons why I love this photo of her:

• Obvious reason #1: It's Abbey. I love her! I met her way back in 1996. That was FOREVER ago. But hey, we're still buddies. And that rocks.
• This picture was probably taken by her "honey." He's got mad photography skills. It's a hobby of his, but it might as well be a full time job. He's an artist, I tell you. I mean, just look at that picture... need I say more?
• I don't have a clue where this picture was taken. I don't know the context. I don't know Abbey's frame of mind. I don't even know when it was taken. But, I still love it.
• That wrap around her head reminds the world that you are looking at a SURVIVOR
• The tape behind her clearly says STOP. As in, stop this ugly disease. Stop the suffering. Stop the staring. Stop the judgements. Stop the pain.
• The tattoo is symbolism that Abbey has faith. She has faith in something(s) powerful to her. The tattoo also shows her strength and commitment to be strong forever.
• Her jewelry is decorating her arms and hands. The watch declares that she is living on a time line just like the rest of the world. Only, you should know that her time line involves medicines, therapies, appointments, bills, and a billion other stressors that you and I can only imagine. The livestrong bracelet is worn by those who remember her and pray for her and think of her everyday. It's a visual reminder of cholangiocarcinoma. You can't tell here, but you should know that it is green.
• Her face is outlined by the head wrap and her hands. Her face is beautiful. When I look in her eyes in this photo, I can see her turning her head to meet my eyes and smiling her gigantuous smile. At the risk of sounding cliche or cheesy, she truly is a beam of light. If you know her, you know the expression I'm waiting for. You've seen it a million times.
  
• Finally, the expression on her face. It's not anguish or grief. It's not failure or demise. It's BUSINESS. Concentration. Attention. Respect. It's about fighting. Keeping an eye on the prize. Healing in progress. Surviving.

Major props to the composition of this photo. Major props to the warrior Survivor.