Deanna Grimm
A story of hope and inspiration…
I met Deanna Grimm in my Smithburg photography studio during my 40 over 40 portrait session. She is a very inspiring woman and I’m so glad to have photographed her and given her this portrait experience. As we got to know each other better, I learned about her journey and the challenges she has overcome.
Deanna is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with the disease a few years ago and has since undergone treatment. Today, she is healthy and living her life to the fullest. Deanna loves volunteering in the community and talks about how being over 40 is great because she doesn't feel the need to impress anyone anymore.
“I am very content in my own skin. I am who I am and I don’t feel the need to impress others.”
Her experience has shown her that there is life after diagnosis and that breast cancer does not have to define a person. Deanna is a strong woman who has beaten the odds, and she wants other women to know that they can do the same.
When asked about what she enjoys in life now, Deanna shared that being a breast cancer survivor means taking things one day at a time and cherishing the little things. She no longer stresses over anything because she knows tomorrow is not promised. These pictures hold great significance for her as they represent this mindset of living fully in the present moment.
“Being a breast cancer survivor, it’s just you just take one day at a time. You don't take for granted the little stuff anymore. And I do not stress over anything anymore because I'm a survivor and I'm here today. Tomorrow is not promised. So that's what I live for today. And these pictures mean that to me. That it's today. This is what I want to do. And it just struck a chord when I saw that, because that’s important to me, to be able to show this and to be able to share it with my girls.”
“Taking bicycle rides and trips. I love just peddling and not thinking of anything but just enjoying the scenery.” - Deanna
One of the things we should be grateful for is the life we have and that it is spent with the people we love and care about. Despite our circumstances, life is still beautiful, and we should cherish every moment.
Then I asked Deanna what she planned to do with her photos.
“I am actually going to give a photo to each of my girls because, like I said, you just never know. And I want them to have a nice photo of me and going to give one to my boyfriend and have one for myself.”
When she said that I just remember the quote that I loved by Destin Sparks …
“Photography is a story I fail to put into words”
means that a picture is worth a thousand words, and it tells a story to everyone who sees it.
Deanna's story serves as an inspiration that encourages others not to lose faith in themselves and persevere through life's trials. Her resilience makes her a role model for anyone who has faced adversity but managed to rise above it.
It was so wonderful to be able to take these photos of her and that she loved them and the experience. I hope you have been inspired by Deanna Grimm that life may be difficult, but let's remain positive and move forward.
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All the best,
Diana