Photography and storytelling has been a major part of my own personal mental health and healing journey since becoming a medical mom. By documenting my life through my words and my images, I share what is happening in my world for others to see — our family members and other families. My hope is other families living medical stories will see themselves through what I share and feel less alone. The process of photographing, writing, and talking about our medical journey helps me to heal. With my camera and my words, I want to create space for myself and for others to heal.
In September 2019, Raz of Slice of Love Photography came to photograph our family. She documented the story of Kane’s second heart surgery. Perhaps most importantly for my grief story, Raz captured images of me…
The medical mom.
The caregiver.
The photographer.
The heart warrior.
Because I was there, too.
Once I felt ready to process the experience, the images and the words from that time I created my “Sharing My Heart” pechakucha.
September 23, 2021 marks two years since Kane’s most recent heart surgery. It’s been enough time that I feel distanced from it and yet there are days where the feelings of anxiety and despair rear up and surprise me.
Many times I have thought about going back to tell a digital story of my experience during that time, but instead I chose to ask my mom to share her story of Kane’s surgery. The story of a medical grandparent. Co-creating this story with her was powerful. It gave me a glimpse into what it was like for her, as well as what other family members may have been feeling. It created space for a conversation.
I am continuing to offer free Digital Storytelling Info Sessions for anyone who would like to explore how creating a digital story may help you to process a story from your own life.