Heather

In 2005 I was 23 with a 1 yr old and a 3yr old. It was St. Patrick day I worked almost all day. On my way home for the evening I was on route 8 south 2 exits from home...and someone hit me. I was in the center lane on the phone with my babysitter letting them know I was almost home. Whoever hit me kept on driving...left me for dead. My car went out of control hit the middle concrete divider 9 times sorta just ricocheted. Some passerby did call 911 and thank God they did. They had to give me a tracheotomy on the side of the highway so I could breathe. I was in ICU for 6 week's. I shattered the whole left side of my face, my nose, shattered my jaws, lost my left eye and broke my collarbone in 6 spots.I have had probably close to 32 surgeries on my face and eye. I didn't get to see my kids for months because I wouldn't let them come to the hospital and see me like that. My jaws were wired shut for 6 to 7 months. I literally felt like I was in hell. I went through severe depression thinking I was ugly and learning how to be half-blind. But then I learned to accept myself. A lot of that comes from my kids. I had a fake eye I tried it out for a few years, my kids hated it. They said nothing about me is fake and if people don't like the way I look, they don't have to look at me.  So here I am. A single mom, 35 years old with a 16 year old son and 14 year old daughter who are amazing. I love myself and I love them. I'm here and I'm so thankful to have the life I have so I can watch my babies grow.

How did you feel before your session? What were you most nervous about?
I was extremely nervous. I talked to my best friend the whole ride there. I would say I was most nervous about my face being that I look different than everybody else.

What was your initial reaction to the images?
I was completely shocked, I didn't believe it was myself.

Were you happy with your hair/makeup? Why/Why not?
My hair and makeup looked amazing. With my face being different makeup is actually a hard thing for me. But she listen to exactly what I wanted and what I needed for my face not to look lopsided even more.

Did anything change about how you see yourself?
Yes, I guess we all have this view on how we think we look. But to be able to look at yourself from the outside on how other people see you makes you step back and have a different perspective.

Any advice for others looking to do a shoot?
Don't think about it. Just do it. It's completely worth it.