Atkinson, Nebraska Lifestyle and Art Photographer: Illustrating Identity: "This Is Me" Photo Shoot- Session 5 {Molly}

Meet Molly.  She is a junior in high school,  is one of my students, and is full of spunk, sass, and sweetness.  She has a cool style, an artistic flare, and a natural ability to write in a way that makes you FEEL what is saying.  I have thoroughly enjoyed having her in my class this year for all the reasons listed above.  Molly is my last model for my "This Is Me" special project.  When she asked me about helping out with this, I was thrilled.  I see this young lady as a true inspiration and an illustration of perseverance and a good attitude.

You see, last spring Molly was in a terrible car accident.  I remember hearing the news at school and, as I do anytime I hear of such news, I tear up, shake my head, and send a silent prayer up to God, asking him to lay His hands on that student and bring healing.

Molly survived that terrible accident, but the recovery she has faced has been very, VERY difficult.  Enduring pain, surgeries, and learning how to walk again are tasks that will try even the strongest of human beings.  To have to endure all that at such a young age ...well, all I can say is that she truly amazes me, and is an inspiration.  She still has her sass and her spunk, and sometimes, I think those things are what help us get through the toughest of times.

Molly sent me some things that she wished to be included in her story.  So, I am going to share her words with you...

" Life has been hard, but my God is faithful.  I feel like I am extremely blessed to be alive, and one thing that really helped me get through this was just laughing and having a good attitude toward it...God is the number one thing in my life.  Then my family and friends.  I'm really close with my family, and love music, singing, playing guitar, making music in any way, and just listening to music.  I guess if I had just one thing that I learned through my accident is that trusting Jesus is a day by day walk, and I have to rely on him for everything.  Even just getting through the day hour by hour.  My mom has always been there for me and always will.  She has kept me grounded and focused on the positive, and that has gotten me soooo far!"

Molly, you ROCK.  Thank you for sharing your story with us, so we can drawn on your strength.  You are truly inspiring.  Keep being you.