I have so many hopes and dreams for my photography business.  I would love to have my own studio one day and travel to exotic places for sessions.  One dream of mine is to work with a charity to take photos for kids who are terminally ill.  I would love to capture some happy memories of them for their families to cherish.

A while back I had the opportunity to make one of these goals a reality.  My sister called and asked if she could donate my services.   A fellow mom she had met thru a moms group was diagnosed with cancer.  The group was providing meals to help  fellow mom,  Kat Hargest while she was undergoing treatments.   Instead of food, my sister wanted to give Kat family photos.  I loved the idea.  I had no idea what kind of gift was in store for me.

Kat was the most encouraging, enthusiastic person I ever knew.  Her emails were full of !!’s and ALL CAPS showing her love of life.  And it wasn’t phony or preachy…she really loved God and this life He gave her.  Her is a piece of one of Kat’s posts:

I AM BLESSED! Jesus is using me in HUGE ways!! i've never once asked why i have stage 4 lung cancer (non smoker.. 10 percent of the population)! He is with me always and i see His amazing grace every minute of every hour of every day!! He is my rock and He is my healer!!

Can you imagine such strength?  Such optimism? 

That was the only time I saw Kat.  She lost her battle with cancer recently.   Never has one person in such a short time frame made such an impression on me.  I am told that many others feel the same way.  For a few hours I was given the gift of watching a family love each other and love the life they were given.   Joy, that is what Kat gave me.  Go ahead, while you are online google “joy”.  Don’t worry, I will wait…and don’t cheat, it only takes a minute.

Isn’t that beautiful?  Thank you Kat Hargest.  You inspired many and will be missed by all.

MOPS of Frederick is having a pancake breakfast fundraiser this Saturday for Kat's family. I hope that all my local fans can make it to the Frederick Church of the Brethren to help support this amazing family.