I know I’ve been MIA for the last 5 days and I’ve been very grateful for the time to collect my thoughts. Although we’ll be waiting at least another week for some “official” answers, I’ve been told that I almost certainly have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a type of cancer. Until we receive the results from various scans and the biopsy (which will likely happen next week), all we can do is pray. It’s times like this that I think we all collapse into the thing which gives us the most peace and comfort and these past 5+ days closely surrounded by my family has been a great blessing.

Although this experience will most certainly be permeating my life for the next several months, I’d prefer to update people in a way that can be kept separate from the Varland Photography blog. Updates may appear here from time to time, but I’ll be using a personal blog to keep people informed and to share my personal thoughts as I travel this road. That blog can be found at annievarland.com.

I’m extremely grateful for the kind words and patience that my family, friends, and clients have shared with me over this past week. Right now, I’m taking things day by day, but you can be sure I’ll be turning out pictures as fast as I can!

And because I hate posting without pictures, here’s a few of the kids taken before I went to bed a few nights ago. The pictures are a little grainy, but capturing how they really look seems perfect to me… They make me so happy.

Thanks again to everyone! More posts coming soon!
- Annie

We had a great time shooting Michelle and Kevin! Lots of laughter and a relaxed couple always makes for a wonderful shoot!

- Annie

Starting with my favorite!






I love the Purple People Bridge!







We stopped by Paul Brown Stadium and I’m so glad we did!









This is my other favorite!



There’s nothing wrong with a friendly rivalry, right?

First, I want to thank everyone that’s reached out with kindness and prayers over the last 24 hours. It’s been a rough couple of days at the Varland house and it’s meant a lot to know that so many people are there for Toby and me.

Since I’ve had such an amazing response, I wanted to let everyone know what was going on… To give you the short version, I went into the ER last night with chest pain. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be anything related to my heart or lungs. They did however find that I have several enlarged lymph nodes. At this point, what I’ve heard from various doctors and nurses is that enlarged lymph nodes could mean a number of things ranging from a virus to cancer (that is most likely treatable).

I have to admit that I’m pretty scared. Watching loved ones deal with cancer has been incredibly hard and I’m praying that it’s not what I’m up against. I have to remember that maybe this is nothing. But if God has chosen to throw us a curveball in the midst of all his incredible blessings, I’ll take it. I’ll take whatever God chooses to give me because he knows better. My favorite bible verse has always been Jeremiah 29:11-14. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for your welfare and not for woe, plans to give you a future and hope. When you call to me, when you come and pray to me, I will listen. If you seek me, you will find me. Yes, if you search for me with all your heart, you will find me with you,’ says the Lord.”

In the spirit of hope, trust, and acceptance of what the next day or week or month or year will bring, I’m asking for your prayers. It’s all I can do right now – pray, count my blessings, and take things one day at a time…

Thanks again for all of your kind words.
- Annie