I am Strong
When I considered Anna Beth for the “I am Strong” campaign, I saw a bubbly and kind person. I was inspired by her resilience. She is strong and persistent. She has conquered her fears and fought tooth and nail to rebuild herself. After suffering from tumors in her brain, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and learning to live with a seizure disorder, she has come out with such positivity and light.
“My life has been full of tragedy. I’ve spent so long being under other people’s control.
The turning point was set into motion when I watched an episode of House, and heard a quote, “I'd rather spend my life close to the birds than wasted wishing I had wings.” It made me stop and think… I’m living in fear and I need to start making choices that bring happiness instead of doing what I was ‘supposed to do’.”
“I was pushed in directions I didn’t want to go, but I felt as if my voice was never mine. I promised myself that I would find my voice. My voice would be my wings so that I could fly. I’ve spent too long letting others live my life the way they wanted me to. I had faced death and I knew I was not ready to die. There was so much I still wanted to do.”
“I found out I had tumors in my brain in 2015. At this point I couldn’t care for myself. I couldn’t use my hands. I had to be fed. This took a toll on my marriage since my husband had to care for me for three years.
In 2018, I had a chance to get surgery and have a device implanted to regulate my body. There was a 50/50 chance I'd come out paralyzed. My biggest fear was coming out of surgery and being trapped inside my body. I never second guessed the decision to move forward because I was already being cared for 24/7. I already felt paralyzed, so any chance I had to get my body back I was going to take.
The device gave me back my life. I gained mobility and was able to take control of my meds. I had independence for the first time in years. I was gaining myself back. That’s when I discovered so many truths. I had been neglected and betrayed. What I thought was a loving marriage was actually a cover for my husband having an affair with my best friend.”
Instead of believing the horrible things people have told me, I’ve replaced those lies with the truth. This has given me my wings.
“My kids and I have been through a lot. And I’m beginning to see things a lot clearer now. I had Sarah take pictures with the words that had control over me. Instead of believing the horrible things people have told me, I’ve replaced those lies with the truth. This has given me my wings. I have built a home and a family and chosen love over all. I have my life back and I am so grateful to be alive.”
We shot Anna Beth’s photography session at her home in Plain City and we found beautiful light for our photo session on her front porch even while it rained.
Anna Beth is planning to use her digital images to engage with other survivors through social media.
