It’s been exactly one month today, since my diagnosis with stage 3 follicular lymphoma. As you can imagine it’s totally rocked my world. Discovering I’ve got cancer has been the biggest heartbreak I’ve ever experienced , but along with that heartbreak has come immeasurable gifts of love, friendship, humility, forgiveness and prayer. If you can believe it, I am so incredibly at peace and happy right now. I have been blessed with the support and love of the photography community and my own local school community. In addition to clean eating, I’ve started going to a yoga studio 4 days a week and a barre studio 2 days a week. It’s amazing how much clarity you can walk away with after a yoga class. I only wish I had started all of this so long ago. I am so much more aware of what triggers my stress and I’m mindful to release it and avoid it. Thankfully I’m feeling healthy still and I hope this practice of mind and body health will help me continue on for as long as possible. I’m choosing to live in the present and to find joy and grace in each day … and with that decision comes so much peace and happiness.
Thank you so much for all of your prayers! It’s truly lifted me through some very hard days. xoxo
On to today’s post … Brooks tagged along at a mini session with one of my favorite families last weekend, so I asked the sweet momma to snap a few of the two of us for today’s post.
Please follow the circle around starting with Suzanne Carey.
San Diego Family Photographer | Facebook
by Jules
Ginger Unzueta - oh Jules, the pictures you capture each month always leave me a bit envious!! they are amazing!!! really…what a collection you have now!! you are in my prayers always. you truly are a living inspiration in so many ways. so blessed to know you in the small way i do. big hugs!
Misty Setzler - So glad you are finding a peace and happy place, and you have such lovely people caring for you and Brooks! BTW you look hot on a photo shoot… I always look like a hot mess
Allison Jacobs - You guys look amazing! Love the yellow jacket against the flowers…what another fabulous set of images of the two of you together. <3 So glad to hear you are feeling the love of those surronding you and have peace in your heart.
Gail Pomare - okay, STOP.
That yellow jacket is smokin! and combined with all the other gorgeousness it’s.just.too.awesome.for.words.
I’m so thankful your heart is full with an embarrassment of blessings. Long my your choices of good health keep you in good health.
-aroha.
tina million - these pics brought tears to my eyes. You are still as pretty inside and out as you were oh so many years ago when my babies had you for 1st grade
ps- I agree the yellow jacket is stunning against the flowers
pss- always thinking about you and praying for you too
krista keller - Seriously, you look that good after a photo session? I am usually a big hot mess when I after a shoot – Usually pulling prickers out of my shoes and hair….These photos are amazing! I can feel your peace and your love for Brooks in them. Kudos to the sweet mama who shot them for you. We are all here for you as you move forward with this journey. I hope you print the very last picture out and take it with you every time you go to the doctor. That picture would give me a ton of strength.
tamsen - these are so beautiful!!! the people, the location, the colors! we love you Jules- praying that you will continue to fell strong and healthy for Brooks!
Suzanne Carey - Jules, you truly look amazing and your son is just as cute as ever! The colors in these images are just amazing. They are so rich and vibrant with life, which is reminds me of you. I don’t know you personally but obvious you are an amazing woman based on the amazing support and outreach from the photography community. It has been amazing to behold. Thinking of ya!
gina - love these photos and love you! let’s do beach photos next time you’re in town!
celestejones - I love see you two together Jules. <3
Debbie Wibowo - Hugs to you Jules and Brooks. You look so happy and radiant in the pics. <3 <3
Christina Claus - These are beautiful! I hope I can experience the great relationship between you and your sweet boy with my own boys when they’re that age!
He looks like such a sweetheart!
Christineb - Gorgeous as always. I have been thinking about you so much lately. I am so sad about all that you are going through. Your attitude through this adversity is inspirational. Stay strong sweetie!!
Val Spring - You guys are the cutest Mom + Son duo I have ever met! I am positive that your strength, attitude and way of living will make a huge difference on the outcome of your illness. I’m so inspired by the way you are dealing with this, my friend! You are amazing, seriously amazing! And you are one gorgeous girl. Lots and lots of hugs to you both!
Rachel C. - I am praying for you and Brooks. You guys have been on my mind a lot lately.