The woman Captured – A letter from celeste
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I believe though they tell a story they only give a glimpse into who a person is and there’s more to each photograph than meets the eye.
~
The woman captured; a woman who is journeying through and growing in the midst of hurts and joys. A woman who desires to understand and know who she is deeply and in turn learn to love who it is she finds. A journey which has proven to be confronting, painful yet empowering and joyful.
The woman captured is me.
I remember when I was a young girl, trying to envision the woman I would some day be and feeling a sense of anticipation to become the woman I had wondered about.
As I reflect now, I wonder what she would have thought? I image stepping into that moment in time and telling her;
“Celeste, the circumstances you will face, are beyond your understanding at this time but I think you would be proud of me. I’m 28 now, with two lovely daughters – they remind me a lot of you and your sister; you’re raising them alone although you really aren’t alone (you’ll understand that when you’re older). You’ve known a lot of pain and uncertainty but don’t be afraid; I’ve seen you persevere (you’ll understand that also when you’re older). I’ve seen you hope when there was no hope, and rejoice in thankfulness when there was. You’ve doubted yourself and questioned your worth but you’re constantly being reminded and learning just how valuable and loved you are”
And I would hope; hope that the distant anticipation I felt as a young girl was what I was met with.
When I gaze upon the woman captured, I ponder and feel a joy in who it is I’ve become; all the quirks, strengths, characteristics and uncertainties – and how they beautifully illustrate me. The dearly loved and valuable me.
~
Louise, thank you for capturing a moment in my life where I was learning all that I’ve shared. I’ll look back on this time and remember the compassion I was learning to share with myself, the joy I had knowing I was worth something and the sweet confidence that was slowly overriding the insecurities and self doubt. These photos may share a few words with others but I’ll hold unto the thousand they speak to me.
By: Celeste Garcia @celestesgarcia
