The Kindness of Strangers: Poetry of The Heart

January 6, 2012 By 10 Comments

Gina working with the Pujols Family Foundation in the Dominican Republic

Yesterday I wrote a post about my friend Gina.  The post hurt to write.  Gina has had a hell of a year. In one year’s time she lost her husband in a tragic car accident, battled and beat colon cancer only to discover she now has to fight cancer in her liver that has also spread to her lymph nodes, her abdomen and the walls of her chest.

But my post was about her strength, her spirit, her will to fight. I wrote about my love of our friendship, my admiration of her giving nature and her gift of photography. And what I believe is a new beginning for her.
And I shared the post as I often do.  On Facebook.  And on Twitter.
The comments were beautiful.  But something else remarkable happened.
This man…. this poet, reached out to me via twitter and offered something beautiful.
And I accepted.  Martin Dejnicki is a poet.  He was inspired to create AnitaPoems.com  for his wife who he refers to as his ‘soulmate’.  In his words, he wanted to “show people how simple gestures like rhyming poems can bring love into their lives (just like it happened to me). And writing poems for others who need them is the most genuine and authentic way I could possibly think of accomplishing this.”
In only a matter of hours, this arrived in my inbox.
He wrote the poem in 1st person, as though I might be speaking to Gina….
Gina
I have been blessed,
with a remarkable friend.
How much she means to me,
through these words I extend.

The day that I met her,
I knew from the start.
This little brunette,
has the most generous heart.

Our bond and our journey,
eight priceless years.
We’ve shared so much,
both smiles and tears.

She’s a beautiful lady,
that I truly adore.
Gives to so many,
and strives to do more.

Obstacles and tragedies,
she tackles each one.
Raised the most kind-hearted,
daughter and son.

I’m always amazed,
at her courage and will.
All of her dreams,
I know she’ll fulfill.

She has a special talent,
even time stops to look.
The most beautiful photos,
over the years she has took.

Gina lives life,
with the most humblest grace.
Children in need,
she will always embrace.

Even when against a wall,
she talks about giving back.
She’ll conquer cancer,
with a faith-filled attack.

This wonderful friend,
continues to inspire.
Her zest for life,
I truly admire.

Her impact on my life,
has been way beyond vast.
Our beautiful friendship,
forever shall last.

I have pure faith in Gina,
the stars are aligned.
The world is better,
with her love that’s so kind.

Before today, Martin and I had exchanged but a few tweets…
Thank you, Martin, for putting prayer into action, for being an example of faith, for giving me yet another reason to believe in the goodness of people.  I’m so grateful for the gift of your words.
Filed Under: Featured Content, Give Good Get Good, Recent Posts Tagged With: , , , , , ,

St. Louis Children’s Photo Contest – Lace Images

March 4, 2010 By 1 Comment

A few years ago, when I was elbow deep in wedding planning, there was a local photographer who did everything she could to make my experience as seamless as possible.  She went out of her way to hold my hand when necessary and also keep me smiling.

Since that first meeting, this photographer, Gina Kelly, has become a friend – she is responsible for dozens of amazing photos of my family, Christmas cards going back years and, of course, she took the picture that was stolen and used in a store window in Prague.

ginakellycollage

She, along with the amazing Arina of St. Louis Entertains Magazine, is holding a children’s photo contest.

Now, this isn’t your average ‘submit-the-picture-you-love-the-most’ contest and hope someone else thinks your child is cute.  This contest is FANTASTIC.

Why?  Because everyone who enters gets a FREE SESSION with Gina….in the St. Louis area location of your choice.  You also will get a FREE 8×10 of the photo Gina takes that is entered in the contest.

Can you stand it?

The contest runs the entire month of March – until the 31st and is open to kids and babies in the St. Louis area- age 12 and under.  You will HAVE to call to make an appointment.

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The Grand Prize Winner will be featured on the inside front copy of St. Louis Entertains Magazine, Spring / Summer issue, a 16×20 Gallery Wrap Wall portrait and $200 worth of photos from Gina Kelly/ Lace Images
Winners will be posted online at Lace Images.
The Prize Package is worth $2500.

Second, third and 2 honorable mentions will also be given wall portrait awards.

Your session with Gina will last 30-60 minutes – and you have a choice:  she can come to you (and bring backgrounds) or you can go to her.  She is taking appointments for every day in March except the 6th and 13th (she has weddings scheduled)

Be creative – if your child rides horses, is a ballerina, won’t go anywhere without their favorite teddy bear – that’s how they should be photographed.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges (including me) on April 1st.

Good luck! (and call Gina soon!)

Filed Under: A little piece of Heaven, Featured Content, Give Good Get Good, Recent Posts Tagged With: , , , , ,