Away but looking in

[Diane Margetts]

I haven't posted here for quite some time, In fact, I haven't picked my camera up for quite some time; but I do enjoy looking in at the beautiful pictures you guys take. Just about a year ago, my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer. In's been an incredibly long year that started out with a disease that the Oncology surgeon believed was curable. Everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong. My husband is now in Hospice care at home. I am so very fortunate to work with wonderfully compassionate people that are letting me work from home. This is the only way my husband can remain at home and this is what he wants. Many months ago, prior to his initial chemo treatments, he asked me to take a good photo of him while he still had hair. My husband is normally terribly camera shy and, after 26 years of marriage, I still didn't have a good portrait of him. Finally, he worked with me and we got the best picture of him I had ever seen. He was really happy. I was almost happy. I turned to our own Linda Bell and asked her to work her magic and make the portrait spectacular. She took it even beyond my expectations. I did not show it to my husband because it would be too difficult to explain--he has had brain metastasis and his ability to rationalize is pretty much gone. My plan is to have a portrait framed for me of course, but also one for each of his two kids. I wanted to share his beautiful portrait with all of my Doodle Kisses friends . . .

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I am so sorry that you are going through this difficult time.  What a wonderful idea you had for the portrait,  it is just beautiful and sure to be treasured.  Thanks for sharing and thoughts are with you.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It's a beautiful portrait and I'm sure it will have a special place forever.  I'm sorry you are all going through this.  Thank you for sharing and prayers. 

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Diane, I was so sorry to hear of your difficult time.  The portrait is beautiful and I'm sure will be cherished for years to come.  My prayers for you and your family.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Diane, I am so very sorry about your husband's condition.  You took a wonderful, wonderful portrait and Linda made it even more wonderful.  I harkens  a lovely remembrance to better times. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I am so sorry to hear about your husband and what you are going through.  I went through it a few years ago and it is the hardest thing I have ever been through.  The portrait is gorgeous and he looks like such a sweet, loving and caring man. What a great memory you have made for yourself and your entire family.  Linda outdid herself with the portrait.  Absolutely beautiful work.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[Linda and "Toby"]

It was such an honor to work on this portrait for you, Diane. I hope that in time, you will be able to look at it and smile - even laugh - remembering all the fun, good times you've shared.

Gene is so lucky to have someone as compassionate as you to be there with him during this final, and very difficult stage of his journey. You are both in my thoughts and prayers... 

Love, Linda (and "Toby")

[Camilla and Darwin]

Seeing your name pop up in the news feed put a smile on my face Linda, and what beautiful work you did on this portrait. We miss you.

[Linda and "Toby"]

Aw, thank you, Camilla! I've missed you all so much! I've had a rough year (couple of years, actually). I look forward to getting involved with the Photography Group and Art Cafe again very soon. :) 

[Camilla and Darwin]

I can't wait. Really!