In fifty five words.
October 23rd, 2012 | SarahLove
I’ve been reflecting on my friends journey. Maybe it’s the smell of the crisp in the air or the Christmas decor lining the aisles of the store reminding me of the two year mark that’s approaching. Nearly two years ago, The Moore Family began their journey of Oligodenroglioma. Brain cancer. What started as a nagging headache was the warning signs of the tumor growing inside Waylon’s head. It’s hard to forget the morning that Cece called me to tell me that they were on the way to the hospital because of ‘the worst headache Waylon’s ever had’.
This video was taken before chemo and radiation treatments and this video is right after they found out the diagnosis and a community of friends and strangers came together.
In two years, life for them has changed so much. And it’s not done.
As part of group therapy for families facing cancer, Cece was challenged to write a poem in only fifty five words about her journey. She read it to me this morning and it’s one of the most heartfelt things she has ever shared with me. In my head, I see her. For two years, I have seen her tired, heartbroken, embracing strangers, savoring rest, kissing, loving, holding Waylon’s hand at times he didn’t even know she was in the room, comforting her children and having to just let go of everything that is totally out of her control yet at the same time gripping onto time.
Waiting.
author, Cece Moore
Seven am is here so fast
we didn’t sleep a wink
beautiful prayers by a stranger
make my heart so happy
pre-op room with my love
my heart, my hands, my legs shaking
keeping my smile
not wanting to let go
time to go
kiss him one last time
pray for him and doctor
then cry
With each click of documenting their family, I can’t help but feel thankful. Thankful that it’s been two years of time. Precious, precious time.
I might pretend to write, but I am not a writer. I capture life and love better than anything I think I know how to do. So, in fifty five snapshots of life, I give you The Moore Family as I see them:
Their story brings me to tears. What beautiful words and images. I pray for you, Moore family!
Thank you for your prayers Emily!!! Thank you so much.
I love seeing their love! Beautiful photos and a beautiful poem.
Much love to the Moore’s and to you, Sarah!
<3 Kristi
Thank you Kristi! Much love to you and yours. ((hug))
wow. it’s truly amazing what can happen in 2 years. i remember your PINK Christmas party and meeting Ceclia, laughing with her, and just cherishing all of us being friends in your house. i remember later that week meeting with you and you telling me about this horrible headache turned cancer. i remember the bakery fundraiser the following february and getting my parents a giant cookie. it’s true a lot can happen in two years. even more true (truer?!) is a lot can happen in one single day.
The Waylon Family is so beautiful, so many levels of beautiful it’s hard to even try to explain that you just want to cry. tears of sadness, happiness, joy, heartache, thankfulness, gratefulness. it’s beautiful what she wrote in those 55 words. you first think of 55 words as a lot. but like time, it goes quick. almost too quick, but the point is definitely made. you work with what you got and those 55 words say it all. and you Sarah (yes, you ARE a writer!) your 55 images, portray such an amazing family on such an amazing journey. a journey that i know you’ll continue to write about and capture with your amazing photography skills.
sorry i rambled, but i think that is all.
Yes, April ALL true. Two years or two seconds- things are constantly changing. I plan to capture them for many moore memories, if they will kindly have me do so.
I loved this! There is so much love here through tears and the pain and the saddness the love overshadows it all! The Moore family is so very strong! Continued prayers as always! Great job Sarah! So proud to call you my friend!
Proud to be able to say it back to you!
I am so glad you saw that love concurs all. That was completely what I was trying to convey in the 55 images. Thank you for telling me you saw that!! 
Sara, did you notice the kids in the background rolling down the hill?? I taught them that!
Wow, Wow, and more Wow….truly Beautiful. Thank You Sarah. You made me cry again. It’s amazing how pictures can tell a story without words. There is so much in each of their faces and when I look at these I feel so much.
Monica, thank you so very much. Cece and Waylon are so blessed to have you as a mother.
Beautiful! It is always great to see how strong everyone has come together over the years! Cece, did an amazing job on the poem! The strong bond on Cece’s families side is amazing! Even though we don’t have a big family, on my brother’s side we still manage to keep afloat! My mother (Waylon’s mom) appreciates everyone being there for her son!
Thank you Sarah for the AWESOME photos, they are amazing and goofy as usual! Thank you Cece for the wonderful poem and being strong for my brother!
<3 you all!
-Sarah
They are stronger that’s for sure. Thank you Sarah!
Adorable, creative, unique photos capturing this special family! Your work is priceless …making moments like these stand still. This family is also blessed to have YOU, SarahLove, as a friend and in they’re lives!!
Time with family is so important…..I am looking forward to the day I can move to ABQ, hopefully soon!
Many blessings,
Waylon’s Mama