I've been on the road for close to three weeks. JD and I have been traveling to teach photography workshops around the U.S. and while it appears to be lots of fun, there's less glimmer behind-the-scenes. Being away from home–especially as my mom has been undergoing a litany of tests, MRIs, and a spinal tap to determine what's happening in her brain–has been more than difficult. Some days I'd call my mom and we'd laugh. Then I'd cry. And, in true good mama form, she comforted me. As if I was the one who was sick.

At 9pm in Atlanta, Georgia, nearby church bells rang. I heard the long nine chimes in the distance as I received the following news: No brain tumors and the pressure of her brain subsided (this portion of the news was downright miraculous because doctors were planning to treat the hydrocephalus by inserting a shunt in her head, but it appeared her body was repairing itself). I stood in an empty parking lot in Georgia and cried from relief. For as ill as my mom had been, this was a miracle.

She will still be undergoing tests and placed on medication, but the doctors ruled out brain surgery and our family is beyond blessed by God's grace on my mother's life. Words can't really describe how I feel, but I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to those who prayed for her…it means more than you will ever, ever know.

Much love.