A couple of weeks ago, I asked my daughter to paint the words “Gold” and “Hope” for me. I was working on a still life project, and wanted to include the painted words. She asked me what they were for, and at first I said; “just a project”. So she happily painted, and then paused. She asked “But why these words?” So I decided to talk to her about the Gold Hope project, and she really listened. I told her about the photographer I had met in a group who had lost a daughter to cancer. I told her how Ava like gold and glitter. I told her this special lady now helps other families. She asked the smartest questions as she kept on painting. She asked why we didn’t know the cause of cancer. Why did it affect children? She asked about Ava and her family. It was unfamiliar territory for me, but I answered honestly. I wasn’t sure where the conversation was going, so I kept listening to her questions and hoping I was answering as truthfully as possible. She finished the paintings, and asked if she could keep painting. I went about making dinner, and then she called out to me, “Mum, how do you spell cancer?”. I spelt it out for her, and then went to see what she had painted. It said “stop cancer” with a big love heart in the middle. I was floored. She asked me to send it to Cynthia, and it is in the post on it’s way in the mail. I realized in that moment that we are doing a good job as parents. She is growing up to be a kind-hearted person, and I feel blessed to be part of her journey. My eyes filled with tears. I gave her a hug, and went about my routine with a full heart.

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Now follow on to Sharleen N. Stuart Photography /South Florida Photographer to see her 30 minutes this month.

 

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September 29, 2015
Cancer is a disease that hurts and breaks so many hearts. I lost a school friend to cancer. He was only 13 years old. I also lost a good friend who was 28 years old and mother of 3 tiny children. Both my parents died of a form of cancer. I am so glad you had the opportunity to share with your daughter and for her to give of her heart. That generosity is so beautiful I love the first image of her with the paintbrush. Thank you for sharing.
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September 29, 2015
Your children clearly inherited your big heart :) These photos radiate joy -- that photo of her holding up her finished work where she looks so proud is just beautiful!
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Karen Hunt
September 29, 2015
Cindy, These are incredible! Everyone looks like a painting. These are my favorite of yours yet. I love the processing, the details, the story you captured. All of it, is just beautiful.
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September 29, 2015
Cindy, these images are truly heartwarming. Your daughter certainly has a heart of gold and I'm so honored you shared these with us.
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October 1, 2015
Oh Cindy, My eyes filled with tears reading this! Bless her and you!! I can't wait to get her drawings! I'm going to hang them proudly in my office!
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October 2, 2015
This post is exquisitely beautiful in every way. I love the golden tones you brought out in the images and your daughter's thoughtful and concentrated beauty is heart-lifting.
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