Honorable Mention TOKYO-2016 Fine Art / Other

Mourning Estelle's Passing

  • Photographer
    Michelle Robinson

In June 2016, one of my closest friends finally lost her long battle against cancer. Estelle has breast cancer in 2004-5. She fought it and recovered. Then the cancer returned. She fought it again. She had spent much of the last decade fighting cancer and not allowing it to get the better of her. When she moved to another state, I felt afraid that I would not be there to help her if she needed me. When she fell ill again, I thought it might be the last time. She survived. I knew that if I ever saw her brother's number come up on my phone, that she would have finally lost the fight. Estelle's brother's number appeared in June of this year. Finally the cancer had gotten to her in a place she couldn't beat: a tumour in her brain. It was not easy not being able to say "good bye" to her before she passed. It was not easy not being able to make it to her funeral. It was not easy mourning from afar. This series is dedicated to my brave friend Estelle. Image 1: Dismay When I Was Told Image 2: Processing Your Passing Has Been Tough Image 3: I Wish I'd Been There To Say "Good Bye" Image 4: I'm Sorry I Can't Be There To Send You Off Image 5: I'm Happy That Your Hair Is Flying Free Again