When checking early this morning the last theme for Photo 101, I disliked it from back to front. The ‘Triumph’ word sounds full of grandeur and arrogance. Don’t ask me why; maybe a shrink can explain it better. I just perceive it as a bit Hollywoodish and over the top.
At the end of the day – and perhaps thanks to a yoga session – I made peace with this theme.
I have many blessings to count – as ‘you-know-who-your-are’ rightly so, tell me often – and I wouldn’t be here writing about them, because these are no great triumphs, but only normal highs and lows of a life’s journey, which has mostly been kind to me.
There is a special group of people, though, who I humbly pay homage to, for their efforts and achievements deservedly are ‘Triumphs’.
I dedicate my triumph photo to many warriors: belated brother Adriano, cousin Ana Paula and uncle-father Roberto, cousin Carla, fellow bloggers Paul (My Chordoma Journey) and Michael, my friend and soul-sister C, and to all cancer patients. I also include all doctors, who research and fight every day against cancer, the emperor of all maladies.
This photo is a tribute to resilience; it is a tribute to life. It is an image of self-confidence and defiance to a disease, which relentlessly tries to destroy healthy cells, but can never defeat the human spirit and will to live.
I captured this image during a ‘life-celebration’ lunch with my friend C. She has defeated colon cancer – which left sequels and restrictions to her eating habits – but she is undeterred and determined not to surrender. She enjoys every dessert she loves, every second of her life. This, is a ‘Triumph’.
“It is inevitable that some defeat will enter even the most victorious life.
The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated… it is finished when it surrenders.”
— Ben Stein
Sights & Insights 
What a beautiful and moving post. And a perfect way to respond to what I agree was a challenging way to bring this to an end.
Respect to you for finding such a tasteful and elegant way to deal with this.
I look forward to staying in touch!
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Heartfelt thank you, Andy! Now it’s your turn to make me cry.
This subject brings back vivid memories of my brother.
You inspired me this morning, and I am grateful to you; I had no idea on what to do.
We will absolutely be in touch. It has been great meeting you here, and I won’t give you up. Besides, you are my neighbour!
Cheers to us!
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Thank you, that means a lot…and cheers to us too, neighbour !
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🍸🍸tin tin!
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I think a drink is now in order – but need to drive home first!
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Deal! Get home first and I’ll wait for you before opening the bottle in Amsterdam.
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Deal!
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Home now and about to open something … 🙂
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Great! Then, let’s drink together with Mara. Go now to her converge post. You’ve been anxiously expected there!
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Now that sounds lovely!
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We’re totally not talking about you on a blog’s public comment section. Hurry up!
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I love this! So professional looking with the emphasis being on the sweets! Well done!!!!
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Hearfelt thanks!
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Lovely post. Sometimes a triumph is as simple (not necessarily easy) as getting off the couch and making a meal of something somewhat healthy instead of eating junk food. Thank you.
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Thank you for your kindness, and also for visiting!
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Great picture! And well said!
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Thank you! Last day of photo101; now will have more time to visit other blogs, including yours. Miss reading it!
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This is obviously the most perfect response. It resonates with me so much, the first lines — about the arrogance of presuming Triumph — were as though you took them from my mouth. And your idea of triumph is one that nobody can dispute. A beautiful post and a dignified conclusion of Photo 101 on your part. Congrats on making it!
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Heartfelt thanks, my friend. We think alike. ❤️
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gosh a really touching and heartfelt post and one i can relate to having had family members suffer. I am so thrilled your friend has triumphed and gets to enjoy life i also look forward to keeping in touch x
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Thank you. So you know what’s like…she’s an example and whenever I feel bad I just think of her to put things into perspective. Likewise. We’ll be in contact. Xx
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gosh yes I can get that totally a reality check is good every so often and the ability to be grateful for the small things x
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Such a heartfelt beautiful post. I am with you on the word triumph. Still haven’t taken my photo: guess I haven’t made peace with it yet. But you did it beautifully
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Heartfelt thanks! I understand you. Better sleep over it and you eventually you’ll think of something. I got stuck when thinking of me but the moment I looked outside, I accepted the word.
Thanks for commenting.
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Very eloquent!
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Thank you! Thanks for dropping by.
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Fabulous photo with great black and white and blurry effects, I love the color on the sweets!
But more importantly, your tribute to triumph in beating a disease is so noteworthy! Your friend sounds like a true warrior!!!
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Thank you, Lia!! Indeed she is an example.
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Very touching, Lucile. I find it fitting that the dessert tray is glistening in golden shades – a triumph to Colette!
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Indeed, i hadn’t noticed the golden shades, but you did. Thanks for commenting.
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A heart warming post lucile 🙂 We triumph over small things and here are some who have triumphed over such greater adversities.. 🙂
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Happy you liked it. They make my issues small.
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You are so deep and introspective, Lucile, that’s what I love about you! You use your talents for in these wonderful posts. What a beautiful testament to your friend in the interpretation of “triumph!”
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Terri, you make me blush. You’re considerate and very generous. I’m happy you like the post because it means a lot to me. We tend to think that things happen elsewhere but not to our family and friends; once this disease shows up at our doorsteps like a hurricane, it turns our perspectives upside down; changing our life paths. I write straight from the center of this hurricane in my heart, and because you are a very sensitive person, you can see it. Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.
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