my colorado trip – august 2009

Meet my friend Erica.  I’ll share her story here as it’s one that indeed should be told.  She is an inspiration!

Erica and I grew up together and have similar family backgrounds.  She was a soccer star in  Chatham, NJ – the only girl goalie on a boys teams.  Badass!  I’ll spare you the embarrassing childhood memories (like our detective agency and playing with Cabbage Patch Kids) and even more embarrassing early-teenage memories (one of them included sneaking out of her two story bedroom by shimmying down on a garden hose attached to her bed frame…all the while she’s making me go first and saying “Don’t worry!  I do this all of the time!” when she hadn’t.  Introducing me to Jack Daniels  – whom I have yet to meet since that experience. Your usual, run-of-the-mill adolescent stuff.

Erica was the first of my friends to get married, she met an amazing guy, Todd, while in College and they got engaged after graduation.  I flew out to Michigan to be her Maid of Honor.   Erica was one of my Maid of Honors (I had two) at my wedding, and agreed to wear – without complaint –  the big poofy tulle dress I put her in despite her being pregnant – and rocked it (as did all of my girls- really…they were fun dresses, so, props to all of my girls)!   She went to college in Michigan for something like physics but I’m pretty sure it’s more involved than that and is an  Engineering Manager for Quest Communications but is seemingly as smart as a brain surgeon.  I’m pretty sure she’ll email me to correct me on her title or her major in college.  She exercises regularly, runs half marathons, marathons and triathlons and any other “thelons” you can think of.  She’s very book smart while also being extremely creative (makes her own tufted headboards and stuff…the ONLY thing I didn’t get a photo of).    We always go a long stretch of time without speaking – every 6 to 8 months seems the norm.  We aren’t on the phone wishing each other Merry Christmas/New Years/Birthdays/mushy type.  That’s just not our way – in fact, she’s probably pretty embarrassed that I’m bragging about her.  It never needs to be explained and the only drama in our relationship is my constant nagging for her to relocate back to NJ.  She has two amazing children, Conner & Allie.  The last visit to our home was I believe December of 2007.

It was a spring day – April, I received a phone call from Erica.  Actually – that’s not correct.  I called HER after receiving a text message – Erica “What’s up, how are ya?”   Me:  “Good, you?”  Erica:  “Just got through Breast Cancer Surgery, doing well”.     This is so Erica.  Of course immediately I called her – and found out that she had found out in February that she had a cancerous tumor in one of her breasts, (noticed a pea sized lump) about 2 weeks later had a double mastectomy.   Erica had no breast cancer in her family, and is 35 years of age and in perfect health.  Once I got over the fact that she had been through this ordeal and hadn’t even let me know it was going on, I quickly made travel plans to go visit her during another one of her surgeries to help out with the kids,  whatever I could do.    I was only there for a few short days  but I was so glad to be able to spend time with her and the family, and, especially – experience her children by spending the day with them.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

She pumps gas too.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Erica & Todd’s house

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

I didn’t have the time to hike the Rockies, but I did get some quick opportunities to photograph them a little.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Different time of the day – the clouds are SO CLOSE you feel you could just reach up and touch them.  These are some angry Colorado skies ( not the same day).

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

I had the opportunity to chill with the kids.  Conner & Allie.  I love them!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Of course, kids will be kids!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Some Colorado Rock

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Conner’s eyes are always smiling!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Are these prairie dogs? They’re so cute!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Being pretty much a city girl, it’s not everyday you see buffalo in people’s back yards like pets.

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Such fun!   Then I let Conner drive home. (ha ha)

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

What a great lookin’ fam!

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

Some of my friends are going to be surprised that there’s actually an image without my zoolander face I do so well 😉

Laura Bruen, NYC Photographer, NJ Photographer

I’m happy to say that Erica will be celebrating her 1 year of being cancer free this April.

Go Erica!
I was thrilled to hear that you’re already running marathons again.  I love you and I am so very proud of you!

bc

18 comments
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  • Erica Stockford

    According to my Mom, you were supposidly the bad influence! You forgot to mention the late night trip to the Summit Police Department. Great Pics! Thanks for the memories! You are the best.ReplyCancel

  • Beautiful. Made me cry. Nice Laura baby.ReplyCancel

  • Oh, I didn’t forget to mention that – I omitted it! 🙂 This is a family blog for Christ Sakes!ReplyCancel

  • a gorgeous family and adorable children…clearly love is spread all the way around! SO happy she is cancer free! She is so pretty! Thanks for sharing her story with us!
    Blessings,
    ElenaReplyCancel

  • Just tears because there are no words for me to describe the beauty and emotion of this.
    Your pictures say it all, amazing Laura. Thank you both for sharing yourselves with all of us.ReplyCancel

  • Jeanne

    Very beautiful pictures, Laura. Amazing and touching. Lol to the zoolander shout out!ReplyCancel

  • Thank you everyone.ReplyCancel

  • Peter

    These are such beautiful photo’s, Laura. I’m happy to hear that Erica is doing well. She has a beautiful family! You captured their happiness and the natural beauty of where they live perfectly!ReplyCancel

  • Michelle

    Hi Erica! Your kids are adorable! Idigm sidigo hidigappidigy yidigou idigare didigoididiging widigell. Love ya! Nice face Laura!!!ReplyCancel

  • Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing the story and such gorgeous photos. And thank you to Erica for sharing about the late night trip in Summit. 😉 Good times!ReplyCancel

  • Thanks everyone. She’s awesome 😉ReplyCancel

  • Beautiful pictures (as always), a beautiful woman, beautiful kids — and what a beautiful friendship you have there. You rock!ReplyCancel

  • Erin

    Beautiful pictures… especially those kids! Love the story as well…. Congrats to Erica!ReplyCancel

  • M

    Beautiful. Your pictures, and story, moved me to tears. Erica and her family are beautiful. I am so happy to hear she’s kicked cancer in the ass!ReplyCancel

  • Nicole

    What BEAUTIFUL pictures with a BEAUTIFUL woman and her family! God Bless!ReplyCancel

  • Kelly Simms

    Gorgeous photos!ReplyCancel

  • Melissa

    Beautiful Story…Beautiful Photos. Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel