Rachel Taft and Anne Marie Morgan
The Story
Rachel Taft
Salem, WI
Breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: Running caught up with my body. Breast cancer was the twist that made me face my own worst enemy, myself.
Forty-two years old, wife and mother of four; I underwent three surgeries, four weeks of treatments, and took less than two weeks off work. I started a new job and broke ground on our new home.
During treatments, I remember asking myself, ’What would my Grandma tell me if she was here?’ I heard “Slow down, Rachel Mary.” My Grandma was the most amazing soul who loved me like no other. It wasn’t a coincidence I rang that bell on her birthday.
One evening, I remember walking out of work with my shoes on the wrong feet. I cried the whole way home. I expected to feel normal after the treatments. I felt depleted. My dad was diagnosed with cancer, my mother skin cancer, and we lost my father-in-law. It was much easier receiving my cancer diagnosis than it was seeing those I loved hurting. I felt out of control and helpless.
I surrendered to my own self, took a leave from work, and learned to give myself patience, grace, and love. God knew my stubborn brain needed this twist to live and enjoy this beautiful life God graciously gave me. I am a better wife and mother and love my new normal and new self more than ever. I hope to light other souls on fire; the way this program has ignited mine.
Breast cancer survivor
Twist on Cancer: Running caught up with my body. Breast cancer was the twist that made me face my own worst enemy, myself.
Forty-two years old, wife and mother of four; I underwent three surgeries, four weeks of treatments, and took less than two weeks off work. I started a new job and broke ground on our new home.
During treatments, I remember asking myself, ’What would my Grandma tell me if she was here?’ I heard “Slow down, Rachel Mary.” My Grandma was the most amazing soul who loved me like no other. It wasn’t a coincidence I rang that bell on her birthday.
One evening, I remember walking out of work with my shoes on the wrong feet. I cried the whole way home. I expected to feel normal after the treatments. I felt depleted. My dad was diagnosed with cancer, my mother skin cancer, and we lost my father-in-law. It was much easier receiving my cancer diagnosis than it was seeing those I loved hurting. I felt out of control and helpless.
I surrendered to my own self, took a leave from work, and learned to give myself patience, grace, and love. God knew my stubborn brain needed this twist to live and enjoy this beautiful life God graciously gave me. I am a better wife and mother and love my new normal and new self more than ever. I hope to light other souls on fire; the way this program has ignited mine.
Anne Marie Morgan
River Forest, IL
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneMarieMorganOils
Social Media: @annemariemorgan_artworks (IG)
“The Pace of Petals”
Oil on canvas
36” x 24” x 1”
$700
Artist Statement: In my painting, "The Pace of Petals," I explore the transformative journey of a woman confronted with breast cancer and its treatment. Inspired by the resilience and introspection of my Inspiration’s story, I sought to capture her shifts in perspective and priorities that accompanied her experience.
The central figure, depicted as a young girl amidst a whirlwind of flowers, symbolizes my Inspiration’s journey from a life defined by the pursuit and achievement of professional goals to one of introspection and appreciation for the other things that matter in life. The frenetic pace of the surrounding landscape represents the demands and pressures that once defined her, while her serene presence amidst the chaos reflects a newfound sense of peace and clarity.
I hoped that the juxtaposition of motion and quiet contemplation would serve as a visual metaphor for the inner conflict and eventual harmony experienced by my Inspiration as she navigated her journey of change that cancer forced upon her.
Ultimately, "The Pace of Petals" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of adversity. It is a reminder to embrace life's fleeting moments, to pause amidst the chaos, and to find beauty and solace in our present moments.
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneMarieMorganOils
Social Media: @annemariemorgan_artworks (IG)
“The Pace of Petals”
Oil on canvas
36” x 24” x 1”
$700
Artist Statement: In my painting, "The Pace of Petals," I explore the transformative journey of a woman confronted with breast cancer and its treatment. Inspired by the resilience and introspection of my Inspiration’s story, I sought to capture her shifts in perspective and priorities that accompanied her experience.
The central figure, depicted as a young girl amidst a whirlwind of flowers, symbolizes my Inspiration’s journey from a life defined by the pursuit and achievement of professional goals to one of introspection and appreciation for the other things that matter in life. The frenetic pace of the surrounding landscape represents the demands and pressures that once defined her, while her serene presence amidst the chaos reflects a newfound sense of peace and clarity.
I hoped that the juxtaposition of motion and quiet contemplation would serve as a visual metaphor for the inner conflict and eventual harmony experienced by my Inspiration as she navigated her journey of change that cancer forced upon her.
Ultimately, "The Pace of Petals" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of adversity. It is a reminder to embrace life's fleeting moments, to pause amidst the chaos, and to find beauty and solace in our present moments.