Graduation
Project.

When life becomes suffering, even unbearable suffering, it is time to let go.

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On March 18, 2020, I had to let go of one of the most precious people in my life. Dieneke did not want to suffer anymore and decided to end her life with dignity and on her terms with euthanasia.

 

Dieneke became ill in 2017, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of throat cancer. She immediately started chemotherapy to fight the cancer. I was by her side for more than three years to provide for Dieneke’s needs and for support. After a long fight, Dieneke was cured of cancer, but she did not get her life back. The treatments she received were very cruel and left many scars. Her throat was burned inside and out and she was in constant pain. Dieneke’s life was survival to the point where she filed for euthanasia.

 

After living and sharing my life with her for almost 10 years, this decision marked a new chapter in our life together. A chapter in which our intimate bond became unprecedentedly strong, but we were also emotionally forced to each walk our own path.

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This project has been brought together in a book, 18032020. The book is a visual translation of our unconditional love, tenderness and the inexorable passing of time.