Streetfront Alternative

The students examined an unbelievably moving photographic essay today. Renee C. Byer documented the tragic final year of Derek Madsen, who contracted an incurable form of childhood cancer. The essay, entitled, “A mother’s Journey” is not an ordinary cancer saga, rather it defines what family, tragedy and unconditional love is all about. It won numerous awards (including the 2007 Pulitzer) and cannot be viewed with indifference. It forces all of us to evaluate our lives and cherish the moments we have while occupying this most temporal of all worlds.

A great discussion ensued with the students – they trying to find common ground with the subject of the essay, a boy just a few years younger than they are. Powerful stuff.

To view this essay go to http://www.poyi.org/64/WUA/first_01.php