Welcome to ThisMoment.org

When we are confronted with any type of life-threatening illness, regardless of our age, we don't always think about taking a portrait or family photograph at that time.  Our lives may be consumed by visits with health care professionals or social workers, lab tests, medical treatments, and fears of the unknown.

No matter how difficult this moment may be in your life, it is actually a moment to be affirmed and remembered as a part of our human experience. 

In these moments in our lives, the thing to embrace is what matters most in life... our relationships, our loved-ones, special moments that are shared.   THAT is what makes the pain or fear of serious illness a little easier to bear.
 

Norma was a very precious lady.  She had just been placed
under Hospice care at the time of this photograph.  Norma went
on to be with the Lord on July 19, 2006.


This is Megan, a few months before her heart transplant on June 25, 2006. 
Megan's transplant was a success and she is doing well.

This is Joanna with her family.  Joanna is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

I am a web development consultant and professional photographer, but I have been involved in many ministries and community service activities throughout the years.   I am the founder of a national nonprofit sexual abuse victim advocacy organization called AdvocateWeb, and have started numerous other ministries such as a faith-based photographers' group in Austin, Texas called "Eyes of Faith".     

I believe in the sacred worth of every individual, and that God wants us to love one another.   This idea is a way of sharing love in a special way through a simple gift that will be appreciated for generations.   I believe ThisMoment.org is a service that should be open to all persons regardless of their faith or beliefs.

My mother died last year at age 86 from cancer.   I took this photo (on the right) about a year before she died. While those final months with her were hard, I also discovered a tremendous blessing in the time I spent with her, as our family tried to make those final months a little easier for her.  I think Mom and I both experienced a very special blessing during that time.  ( I journalled my experience with my Mom on my photography website at: http://www.KevinGourley.com/kgreflections.asp )

Below is something I wrote just 16 days before she died.  I want to share it here, because it really expresses my perspective on why it is important to not take for granted this moment in your life.

Grateful for this Moment Oct 10 2005
Copyright (c) 2005 Kevin Gourley. All rights reserved.

Here I sit, on my mother’s sofa, as she sits 4 feet away in a recliner. Her eyes are closed, as she rests. Sleep is what she does mostly now, the cancer taking its toll. Occasionally her eyes open. She looks over and is comforted by my presence. Not much conversation any more. It’s just the two of us, comforted by each other’s presence.

Occasionally, she awakens and asks what day it is. I tell her. We talk for a while, then she drifts back to sleep. Then later, she looks up again, and tells me she loves me. And I tell her I love her. Then her eyes are heavy again.

It hurts so much, to see my mother like this, her life almost spent. But I am grateful for this moment. It will not be long until I will never have the opportunity to experience a moment like this again. And then, after that fateful day, I am sure I will reflect back to this moment, and yearn to return back to here, to sit next to my mother and tell her I love her, and look into her eyes.

That thought softens the edge of the pain I feel. Yes, I am grateful for this moment.

Perhaps we would all find greater joy in life if we were to really reflect on what we have now, in spite of any pain we are suffering, and thank God for the moments we’re given. We all-too-often let these moments pass on by without thinking or realizing the gift we’ve received.

I glance over to Mom. She’s still asleep. Rest well Mom. Rest well.

And that is how I came up with the name for this idea... "ThisMoment.org"

This is not about death or dying, AT ALL.  In fact, for many of the people served, they may well live on many more years.  But then for others, for example, those under Hospice care, their time left may be quite short.  Either way, my hope is to use this as a way of really embracing and honoring LIFE, as an act of GRATITUDE for each and every moment of life, including even the harder moments we all sometimes face.
 

So far this idea has been well-received by a wide range of individuals.  I have been discussing the concept with health care professionals, Hospice professionals, photographers, people with influence in the public and media, authors, and clergy.   My intent is to move slowly, until this idea has reached a point of moving forward to the "next level".

You may also follow along with the progress of this idea or contribute ideas on my web blog:

http://ThisMomentDotOrg.blogspot.com
 

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS BRIEF FORM!

If you would like to get involved in helping shape and develop this idea please complete this contact form TODAY!

I am seeking assistance from a wide variety of people with different skills who can help make this a reality.

"This moment contains all moments."   
C.S. Lewis

The art of life is to live in the present moment, and to make that moment as perfect as we can by the realization that we are the instruments and expression of God Himself.  
Emmet Fox

Don't look back on happiness, or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated out of it. 
Henry Ward Beecher

God exists in eternity. The only point where eternity meets time is in the present. The present is the only time there is. 
Marianne Williamson

Life is a great and wondrous mystery, and the only thing we know that we have for sure is what is right here right now. Don't miss it. 
Leo Buscaglia

Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift. 
Oprah Winfrey

One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering. 
Ida Scott Taylor

Each moment in time we have it all, even when we think we don't. 
Melody Beattie

“Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going.”  
Tennessee Williams