I first exhibited the photography of my dear friend Mary Pocock in 1998 with River Dialogue, a simple slideshow to celebrate her art, and the message of her beautiful life. By then, Mary was nearing the end of her anticipated days. The outlook was bleek, but happily, she thrived well enough to help me follow up with River Dialogue: Earth. By 2002 Mary had already outlived every professional prognosis by nearly a decade, and The Pocock Diaries was born. I personally never imagined that ten more installments would come along, and that her blog could continue for another two years. Mary's art conveys unexpected truths about the meaning of existence, about beating all of the odds and about dying with dignity. Her approach was simple catharsis; an elegant achievement that so many women, across Canada and around the globe took much from. It has been six years since she left us but I personally believe she's still here and very much a timeless feature, so I have no immediate plans to archive this inspired piece.

Follow Mary's journey, chapter by chapter from the beginning, or choose an installment using the dropdown menu below. Your selection will open up a new window.

Select An Installment I. In August 1993, I was diagnosed II. Oh dear, you must think I wasn't paying attention III. Quiet pearls drop from the sky IV. The way to do is to be V. Ambassador of Portacath VI. Brain Guy VII. Have you met life today yet? VIII. How can we fix death? IX. The Reports of My Death have been GREATLY exaggerated X. My palliative status has been jimmied up a notch XI. Mary Pocock, August 12, 1952 - September 3, 2004