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June 18, 2008
Vicki was absolutely beautiful. Even while she was hounded by cancer and tormented by chemotherapy, her awesome beauty radiated from within. (The picture above was taken two weeks before she died. She was fourteen years old.)
Vicki once told me she wanted to be a model. I knew she was close to the end of her life and being a model was one dream that would probably not come true for her. Or could it? I called my friend Randal Alhadeff (a wonderful photographer) and asked him if he would help. He certainly did.
We brought the photographic equipment to the hospital and turned Vicki’s room into a real photographic studio. There were wires and lights and cameras and reflectors and people all over the room.
That afternoon, we took a series of stunning and memorable pictures, including the one above. It was amazing. Here was a child, hooked up to machines, totally nauseated from chemotherapy, and still running the show, making sure that nothing in the world was going to take the moment from her.
In the middle of the photo session, a nurse came in to give Vicki a round of medicine. The picture-taking was interrupted while Vicki was medicated through a tube that went directly into her heart. The nurse wasn’t very happy that day and her attitude reflected it. As the nurse was about to walk over to the bed, Vicki looked up and said,” Err, excuse me. Mind leaving your bad mood outside?”
Vicki’s mom Liz and I laughed so hard we almost collapsed. Even the nurse cracked a smile.
Sometimes when I feel grumpy or down and find myself taking it out on other people, I think of Vicki. She had every right in the world to be miserable and downright depressed, but she always found time to smile and make the most of the moment.
I hope thousands of people will get to see your picture,” I said after the shoot.
“Then I’ll be one of those people who only becomes famous after they’re dead,” she said grinning.
“You’ll be famous.” I said.
“Promise,” she said imitating a pout like a spoiled model.
“ I Promise.”
Well Vicki, because of this here blog, I might be able to keep my promise to you. My web site is read by a number of really cool people. I hope those who visit my site today will share this story with others so that you can become a lot more famous than you ever thought possible.
The more people who know about you, the better the world will be. Your light continues to shine. I hope it illuminates the path for those who might be walking in darkness today.
Posted by trevor at June 18, 2008 03:00 PM
Comments
Way to shine, Vicki!
Thanks for sharing her story.
Posted by: Lara at June 19, 2008 07:19 PM
If I hadn't read what you had written I would think Vicki was a model from the 20's! I read about 45 minutes worth of your blog and will be back...my daughter is a cancer SURVIVOR!
Posted by: M at June 20, 2008 12:30 AM
Thanks for sharing the beautiful Vicki, she is beautiful inside and out~
I'm a cancer Mom, but I'm also a nurse. Thanks Vicki for reminding me that bad moods really do need to be checked at the door!
God Bless your family and Comfort them.
Love, Ellen
http://www.caringbridge.org/ma/seanhanson
Posted by: Ellen Hanson at June 20, 2008 01:35 AM
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing...Love your blog. And Vicki...her beautiy shines from within, she could be on every magazine cover!
Posted by: Heather K at June 22, 2008 09:18 AM
A beautiful young lady. I am sure her dreams are coming true now.
AJs Dad
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/CureChildhoodCancer
Posted by: AJs Dad at June 22, 2008 03:30 PM
Hi There I Love this Story, my Aunt Died of Cancer It Riddled her body But she made the Best of her time left, she Died Almost 5 years Ago & It Hurts me to Know that Many More people Are Going to Die From this Before we Can Find a Cure, But we Are Getting close & I Cant Wait For that day! Thanks For Saring this Story I Diddnt Know you or Vikki But on my Temp Website I Would Like to Put a link to your Blog & my Own Preview to your Story If that is Okay With you. This Story Really made my day! Thanks Again!
Dear Vikki,
I Know you May Not be Alive But I Know you Can see this so, you Are a SHINNING-STAR!!! I Love you, your Courage & your Positive Attitude!
With Love,
Krysta Bell
Posted by: Krysta Bell at June 29, 2008 06:54 PM