I want to share a story with you, its kinda long!
It's about Rob, Jo and Gideon. It is one of the most touching stories I have ever heard, and I am beyond grateful to have learned something from it, and to have been a very, very small part of it. With the passing of my father recently from Cancer, Rob's story has effected me so much, but also it has kept me positive on life.
One thing I want get out of the way, is that this really is a different type of blog post than I usually make. I always feel like posting about stuff like this is a way to look for attention, or to get people talking about me or my business, but that is not what this is about it. I hope it doesn't come off that way, and if it does...well then it has been miscommunicated. It has nothing to do with me, just a great story about a young family, that I really wanted to share.
First off, Rob's last Chemo treatment is tomorrow, he is 25 and a half years young.
I'm going to give you a general fast idea of Rob's story, that Jo filled me in on...but I want to start with a few notes that Rob made...
"Well, I got lots to share. Not sure where to start, but I'll share some excepts of the last half year. I was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric and esophageal cancer back in Sept. 09. On Sept. 28 09 I went under the knife for emergency cancer surgery. My surgeon removed my whole stomach, partial esophagus, spleen, partial pancreas, and 30 some lymph nodes. The tumour ate right through my stomach wall and started spreading up into my esophagus. It was about 9cm wide (i think.. need to read the pathology). During the 7 and a half hour surgery there was about twenty some people in the waiting area who were praying for me and eagerly waiting for me to get out of surgery. The surgery successfully removed the tumour and infected lymph nodes. About 6 weeks after the surgery I was sent up to Halifax for a PET scan to determine what cancer was left and to see if it spread anywhere else. Hundreds of people and dozens of churches spread across North America and Europe were praying for me. To the surprise of the medical community my scan came back totally clear. There was no cancer left where the tumour was and it hadn't spread. A direct answer to prayer."
"When I was recovering from my cancer surgery I was in the IMCU unit. I had nurses with me constantly. They took excellent care of me. After a week in that unit I was transferred to another unit because I was progressing along. I had a bacterial infection which gave me my own private room. The first day in my private room it felt a little lonely and unnerving. I was used to being surrounded by nurses in the other unit. Now I was in a room by myself. At this point I still had a bunch of tubes coming out of me and couldn't even get off the bed myself. However, God was very near to me. I always felt a presence in that room, even when I apparently was the only one there. It was a good/clean presence, not the darkside, which is another story. Almost every time I awoke from sleep I was always surprised there was no one else in the room with me. People were praying that the Lord would send his angels to watch over me. A number of times I could hear voices of people who were having a conversation in my room, only to find out there was no one there when I looked. I don't believe it was the narcotics, as I was on a lower dose and this experience felt qualitatively different than a narcotic induced one. One time when I was waking up, I heard the voices again. I thought it was family or friends visiting and I was wondering why they were talking so loud as to wake me up. I then noticed there were three people standing around by bed. One on each side and one on the end. They were talking to each other about something. I heard the one on the end say "I think he's waking up now". In seconds they disappeared and I was alone in the room, but still didn't feel alone. It was a good feeling. Was it the drugs or a dream? I don't think so. Ever since the day before my surgery I felt a presence of protection around me. This lasted for about 4 and half months. It's only since I started feeling better and my strength started returning, that the feeling has waned. Through surgery, chemo and radiation I never experienced any discouragement, depression, or nightmares. I believe there was a hedge about me. I can only thank the Triune God and the hundreds of saints who were constantly praying for me."
Rob and Jo were married in the winter of 2009, had Gideon in the spring, stayed in the NICU in the summer, then Rob threw up a few litres of blood in the fall, which spiraled them into emergency surgery, infertility clinics, all sorts of tests and scans, chemotherapy, and radiation over the first holidays they had as a family. Through it all they have been living on the kindness and generosity of others as Jo was on maternity and Rob wasn't able to work. Remember, Rob is now only 25...
They have made it through 5 extreme cycles of chemo and a month of radiation, and they are looking towards the future! Just a few more scans to re-stage any cancer, but Rob's first PET scan came back NID - No Evidence of Disease! They are trying to get back on track - figuring out who/when/where to work, how to take care of and add to their family, and what to do to make their time count and help others!
Here is where it gets really cool....a quote from Jo...
"We are so thankful for this cancer journey and what it's taught us. We have a clearer focus, appreciation of time, and love for people than we did before. The doctors and nurses at the Cancer Centre all say Rob's a 'oneofa' meaning a one of a kind. His cancer was the farthest thing from textbook, and his response to treatment was remarkable considering it's strength. His faith and courage has really captured their interest. Anyone who meets him knows there is something different there, myself included. That's why I married him. This guy's going to do big things."
I personally can't even begin to imagine being in their shoes, the strength that this small family has is nothing short of mind blowing. Jo contacted me a while back when they didn't know what the outcome would be about some family photos, and I was quick to say yes.
Jo recently said to me.. "You've really helped us out with those pictures. We didn't know what Rob's outcome was going to be, going through such harsh treatments so quickly. We never imagined he would fare this well! Those pictures have more meaning in them than any other we have.
That is the reason I am a photographer, deep down the feeling that I get when a photograph, something so simple in my mind, can mean so much to someone. It really hits hard. I often get asked why I don't do landscape/scenic photography anymore (although cool!) and I always reply with, "because a tree, or a hill, or a beautiful landscape, can never give back to me what a person who loves a photo of their first child, or grandson, or wedding day, can. I get more from a person than I ever can from a sunset." I don't mean to take away from scenic photographers, there are many out there, and I love their work, its just a personal thing.
So here is to Rob, Jo and Gideon, let's pray that this disease never comes back and they will live a very long, healthy life together, Cancer free...
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Comments
Like I always say there is always something good in every bad story sometimes we have to look a little deeper but not in this case. Great work man you should be very proud of yourself, your art gives something very special to peoples lives.
(04.29.10 @ 01:36 PM)You're amazing, Scott..
(04.29.10 @ 01:37 PM)WOW!!! That pretty much somes' it up.. Scott McIntyre these are "Sooo AMaZING". Took me a few time to read this whole story. Just couldnt stop tearing up. Growing up with Jo, this story really hits hard!! Some people just don't realize how lucky and good we have it. Hope Jo, Rob and Gideon the very best. From the Tobin family
(04.29.10 @ 02:14 PM)Xoxo
I had to stop about 5 times through this story to keep from bursting into tears...not because its sad but because its beautiful and it amazes me how strong these people are. God brought these two together for a reason and they probably couldnt have gotten through the cancer without the strength from eachother. Gideon is a sweet little man. I am so happy for the 3 of them. Great job sharing Scott!!! All the best to their family=-)
(04.29.10 @ 02:23 PM)You said it right Scott, these moments are what makes this job rewarding! You have given this family such a gift. Their story is one of huge courage and strength. It sure makes the everyday seem less important and to remember to cherish each day!
(04.29.10 @ 04:16 PM)Beautiful pictures Scott, the little guy is just adorable! I am so happy to hear that their ordeal is almost over and that everything is working out, they seem like amazing people.
(04.29.10 @ 04:26 PM)And regarding the story and your comments, I just wanted to say that I think this is what makes you such a good photographer - the fact that you really get to know your clients, become friends with them, etc. You don't treat all clients the same using some generic formula (hello, sit here, smile, look there, stand here, thank you bye) - you actually interact with them - and your knowledge and their comfort is what comes through to make your photos so unique!
Beautiful family, beautiful story. These guys are gonna do amazing things together. Everyone who knows you & the faith you share is completely blessed. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story.
(04.29.10 @ 04:49 PM)I have not met you yet,Scott, but I want to thank you so much for writing this & doing their beautiful photos. They truly are amazing young people, with all they've had to deal with in their first year of marriage.We that know them are very blessed to have them in our lives.Please continue to pray for them, and clean scans & good health.......from Jo's mom.....I agree with Jason's comment,well said!!
(04.29.10 @ 11:26 PM)Wow, that's all I can say.
(04.30.10 @ 07:55 AM)I'm so proud of Jo, Rob, and Gideon.... they are fighters and best of luck to them all.....
(04.30.10 @ 11:35 AM)What an amazing story... and what an amazing family!
(05.10.10 @ 10:24 AM)What a beautiful stoy. It is amazing how strong this young couple is. Jo, Rob & Gideon all the best!... aunt Barb
(05.13.10 @ 05:36 PM)What a beautiful story. This young couple are truely amazing. Jo, Rob & Gideon, wishing you all the best...aunt Barb
(05.13.10 @ 05:41 PM)Your Dad was so lucky to have such an awesome son Scott~~ He would be so proud as always. April
(06.22.10 @ 10:46 PM)