Portrait of Triumph over Battle with Mental Health – Dallas Frisco Family Photographer – Me Ra Koh

Meet Mike and Tannis – an incredible couple who have walked through the fire of battling mental health and emerged triumphant, hand in hand, and stronger than ever. Tannis is the very portrait of triumph over a lifelong battle with mental health. From Tannis losing over 160 lbs, overcoming a misdiagnosis, and now walking marathons with her husband, hand-in-hand….we’re so grateful we’re able to share her story with you. They came all the way from British Columbia, Canada to Frisco, Texas to celebrate their Rising Phoenix!

Whatever battle you’re facing this year, we hope their Rising Phoenix inspires you. Tannis has hit bottom and knows deep pain and defeat. May her incredible transparency encourage you that despite the odds, you can rise too. You WILL rise. And most of all, you are worthy of rising.

MENTAL HEALTH IS A LIFE-AND-DEATH ISSUE

Mike and Tannis are coming up on their 35th wedding anniversary in 2024 and will both be turning 60! They find themselves in a beautiful, peaceful season of marriage but it hasn’t always been easy. In the first year of their marriage, Tannis was misdiagnosed and went untreated with anxiety and depression dominating her existence. This misstep sent her on a spiral of multiple medications, ever-changing dosages and unfortunate side effects that resulted in years of tumultuous weight gain and loss of emotion that eventually landed her in the psych ward.

At one point, Tannis hit over 300lbs and was miserable. She didn’t recognize herself. She couldn’t even muster up feeling and emotions from day-to-day. Tannis felt completely flat. Fed up, in 2010 she made the bold decision to quit her meds cold-turkey. She recalls having so many medications in her that she didn’t feel anything still for months…until sadness hit her. She began working with a new doctor who was helping her to adjust to what she needed to begin feeling ALIVE again. Months later, the ‘lights came on’ and Tannis woke up, for the first time in a very long time! She was beginning to see her triumph over her battle with mental health.

It took her 25 years to find the right combination of meds to help her feel balanced and functional. By the time she turned 50, she made another step toward health and met with an obesity specialist. Tannis recalls the powerful words that her doctor spoke to her at their first meeting. They said, “What has happened to you is not your fault, but what you do now is your responsibility. And YOU get to write the end of your story.”

JOURNEY TOWARD HEALTH

By 2016, Tannis managed to lose 120lbs! Incredible! Tannis has spent much of her life battling obesity, ADHD (and all that comes with it), depression and anxiety – all of which have been linked to her family history. For the first time in her life, Tannis feels she finally has gained control over her physical, mental and emotional health.

Sharing her story and being able to help others has been redemptive. She so often felt like an outsider, but now she has the experience and compassion to walk with others through their struggles. Tannis has felt God speaking to her in this season, saying, “your willingness to be open and transparent is going to help other people.” Especially after she lost a cousin to suicide, Tannis recognizes the importance of ‘bridging the gap’ when it comes to mental health, by holding space for open and honest conversation.

WHAT IS RISING WITHIN HER

Tannis sees great tenacity, hope and faith rising within her in this season! She has adopted a ‘never give up’ attitude and attributes her triumph to God who has walked with her through her tumultuous journey. Tannis started out as a pre-med major and found herself unfulfilled and lost in school. The one beautiful thing that came out of that season was her sweet husband, Mike, who has been a rock of stability and compassion through the years. He has helped her find footing, and she now cares for the elderly as a patient navigator.

Tannis recalls walking on a beach in 2019 and stumbling upon a massive cedar tree laying on the ground. On this tree a small sapling was growing out of the trunk. The symbolism hit her suddenly, “That’s me. Life got cut off. Most importantly, I wasn’t destroyed; that sapling grew up to be a new tree. It may look different now, but it’s still me.” This is what triumph over a battle with mental health looks like.

HOW SEEING HER RISING PHOENIX IMPACTS HER

“My husband Mike and I were privileged to do a Rising Phoenix experience with Me Ra and Brian. An experience we cherish, and will never, ever forget! We decided on two collages. One for our bedroom and one for my office.

My wall art is definitely speaking to me! A LOT! It is such a great reminder every morning when I get out of bed and see it, or when I’m working in my office. I realized I am a very visual person, so if things are out of sight they are definitely out of mind. The Rising Phoenix is a great way to be quickly reminded of my journey and to have things brought back into focus for the road ahead. And the wall art is simply stunning!” Tannis shared.

WHAT IDA LOVES ABOUT TANNIS

Ida refers to Tannis as her ‘Soul Sister’. They’ve known each other since medical school circa 1986. Ida describes Tannis as having an incredible understanding and depth of people. She says Tannis is always looking after people and instinctively understands what people need and will go out of her way to provide it. Ida says she is a very empathetic and is a great listener as well. “She’s the one I would share my innermost thoughts with.”

Ida tells us Tannis will always lift you up, even in her depression, she will turn her attention to others. She connects people – she goes out of her way to connect others and will do so selflessly. Once, Tannis met a patient in the hospital and became friends with her… shortly after, she found this new friend a job in Ida’s brother’s coffee shop! When Ida has lost staff, Tannis has found her the best employees she’s ever had. Tannis has been Ida’s rock for the last few years, while she was taking care of her parents. In 2015, Ida says she would not have had her wedding if it wasn’t for Tannis! “She helped me get my dress, booked my hairdresser and arranged the music and prayers!”

Ida says Tannis’s superpower is her ability to be detailed, to figure out what people need and make connections accordingly. She says she also has a very deep relationship with God which is inspiring!

WIND BENEATH HER WINGS

Ida hopes these portraits remind her of what a wonderful and powerful person she is. She also hopes they become the ‘wind beneath her wings’; that with just a glance, she can see how her challenges don’t define her but rather how her grit is ever-present. Ida wants Tannis to be able to say, “I am enough” and be satisfied with where she is – to feel filled with the lightness of her being.

WHAT TOBIN LOVES ABOUT HIS MOM

Tobin loves his mother’s generosity. He says she is definitely thoughtful toward others. Equally important, he also describes his mom as determined and devoted. “She’s tenacious! If she has a goal, she’ll do whatever possible to make it happen. I love her willingness to speak up for what she believes in. She is confident in what she believes and not afraid to make it known.”

We asked Tobin how his mother has helped shape him. His response? “Her thoughtfulness and generosity is a gift. I want her to remember that she is strong, tenacious and able to overcome any challenge she faces. I want her to see these portraits and see her confidence, and FEEL confident when she’s overwhelmed.”

WHAT MADISON LOVES ABOUT HER MOM

Madison, Tennis’s daughter, describes her mom’s top three qualities as caring for others, her perseverance and her determination. Madison says she has a heart of service, that she’s attentive and that she will go above and beyond to put others first.

We asked Madison the same question of ‘how has your mom helped shape you?’. “Her mental health has been a huge impact in her life and she’s provided an open space to talk about it. Even with my own mental health, I love that we can hold space and conversation about it.”

WHAT MIKE LOVES ABOUT TANNIS

There are so many things that Mike loves about Tannis, but we gave him the impossible task of narrowing them down to his top three favorite qualities. He loves her generosity, her care for people and her dedication and perseverance the most. He recalls some of the harder times when she was battling for her health and working to lose weight. She hit 100lbs down and a mental weight was lifted ever so slightly. He says it felt like she could tackle life again. “We’d been co-existing and now we are inspired to be closer.. like day-to-day closer. We decided to train for a marathon, went walking together and were holding hands again. We’ve always been able to talk, but with this new life breathed into our marriage, we were inspired once again.”

With the evolution of their relationship, came confidence, willingness to do things, her desire to help people and a spiritual awakening that was much-needed. Mike loves watching Tannis smile and giggle. He adores the sparkle in her eyes and the engagement with life. He hopes that these portraits communicate JOY and reminds them of their closeness, partnership and how they love being together.

WHAT TANNIS LOVES ABOUT MIKE

Tannis jokes about how different they can be at times – Mike is an extrovert! He is an incredibly hard worker and so loyal. Tannis loves that Mike prioritizes their family. Even early on when she was diagnosed with depression and he was working 100+ hours a week, he worked hard to find a work-life balance so he could be there for her. She loves that he is a source of fun and playfulness that they need! “Mike brings an excitement about life. He wants to do it together and brings a playful side that gets us out of such seriousness. I love his willingness to grow. Finally, he thinks critically but is fun and works hard.”

Tannis says that Mike has made multiple sacrifices for her and their family through the years and has insisted she never feel guilty about it – that he made his own decisions and stand by them. This shows her and their kids that ‘iron sharpens iron’. Tannis hopes these portraits show Mike that their family is worthy of all the sacrifice and hardship. She wants him/them to look at their picture and feel worthy and cherished.

WHAT TOBIN LOVES ABOUT HIS DAD

Tobin adores his father’s willingness to help and serve. He says Mike will drop everything to help and he is compassionate with his time and effort. Further, he says that he is thoughtful, always thinking of a perspective that others don’t see (which lends to his success working with surgeons). Tobin also loves his dad’s sense of humor – he’s never mean-spirited and always easy-going!

We asked Tobin how his dad has helped shape him and he said definitely in his change in perspective. His dad has a way of making situations less stressful while also acknowledging everyone’s feelings. Tobin got his dad’s sense of humor as well! They are both quick and willing to implement their sense of humor in any and all situations. He hope these portraits will show his dad how much everyone cares for him and how thankful they are for how strong and wonderful he is.

We also asked Tobin about his parent’s marriage. First, he says that his dad is very patient with his mom. Mike is very aware of Tannis’s struggles and does his best to support her. She’s receptive and gives back. Also, he loves how affectionate they are with one another. They are always willing to say, ‘I love you’ and do it consistently and without hesitation. “They hold hands and dad will kiss her goodbye. It’s all so sweet to me. And again, they also know how to laugh and have fun. I love how protective my mom is over my dad. She’s defensive of him. She’s ready to ‘go to bat’ for him to ensure he gets what he deserves.”

WHAT MADISON LOVES ABOUT HER DAD

Madison describes her dad as an extremely hard working man with a positive, servant’s heart. Likewise, he doesn’t dwell on the negative but thinks of solutions and moves forward. “In the last few years, I’ve had to move several times. Dad has helped me every time! Not just moving furniture but building IKEA furniture as well. My last move was short notice but he encouraged me to take advantage of the opportunity and now I live in Germany.”

Madison says her dad has helped cultivate within her a strong work ethic. She says he’s ‘by the books’ and works hard. She appreciates the habits and routines he’s helped her built. Together, both her parents have taught her to follow her heart and do her own thing without worrying about expectations.

Her favorite qualities about her parent’s marriage are how well-suited they are for each other. They are best friends. Madison also loves their perseverance and commitment to their relationship. “I’m hoping that these portraits remind them of the longevity of their relationship. It’s a milestone. It took them 35 years to build this!”

WHAT DORI LOVES ABOUT MIKE

Dori describes Mike as an ‘old soul’. She says he never loses his temper, he’s an incredible listener and he’s dedicated to his family. Dori believes his superpower is his ability to have a “big picture organization” perspective and it makes him incredibly good at his job and also with his family. She hopes that these portraits remind him of the utter-bliss that he feels and how lucky he is. Dori wants Mike to be reminded of his blessings and to be thankful for all that he has, what he’s given and what he’s able to do. He’s surrounded by people who mean so much to him, and that’s everything.

WHAT ROB LOVES ABOUT MIKE

Rob and Mike have known each other for over 10 years, having worked together at a trauma center. Rob describes Mike as very resilient, a good friend and excellent company. “He was at my wedding. He is just a very positive person to be with!”

We asked Rob to give us an example of Mike’s resiliency and he said, “Everyday! Even with hardships at work and family, he’s able to go on. He has a positive outlook on life. He’s the wheel that keeps our department going! When he’s away on vacation, there’s a flat. *LOL* His superpower is juggling! Whether at work or with family, he gives equal amounts of time and attention. He gives 100% at work and 100% after work.”

WHAT MARK AND HEATHER LOVE ABOUT MIKE AND TANNIS

Mark and Heather have known Mike and Tannis for 28 years now! Even though distance is between them, they had their first babies together and remain close friends to this day. Mark and Heather describe Mike as resilient. They say he’s a wonderfully, supportive and caring husband, even in Tannis’s dark days. They describe Tannis as highly intelligent and creative. She’s a walking Wikipedia and can laugh at herself too.

As a couple, Mark and Heather describe Mike and Tannis as generous, spontaneous and faithful. They put others first and are committing to each other through good time and bad. They have built a life together, and even when it is hard, their faith has been their anchor. It’s one thing neither of them have wavered from even in the darkest of times.

“We hope that these portraits remind them of Ecclesiastes 4:12 – and when they look at these pictures, they see the two of them but also a silent, invisible third person that binds them together. There’s more than two in that picture and that’s the invisible figure that’s bigger than both of them.”

WHAT KRISTA LOVES ABOUT TANNIS AND MIKE

Krista says Mike’s top qualities are his leadership – he’s natural, efficient, confident and organized, his depth of compassion and understanding, his immense energy, his devotion to his family and his leadership in church. “Mike’s superpower is ‘love in action’. He demonstrates love, commitment and loyalty always.”

She describes Tannis’s top qualities as smart with an incredible memory, a gift for paying attention to other’s needs and her heart for service. She says Tannis is intuitive, perceptive and loving and relates to people. Krista recalls a time where Tannis noticed what type of coffee her partner liked and got it for them! “Tannis’s superpower is her ‘connection with people’. Her ability to relate to people in a way that makes them feel understood, appreciated and valued is a blessing. She’s sensitive.”

“I hope these portraits make them take a step back and truly appreciate how far they’ve come and appreciate the essence of who they are! Tannis, know that you are of value and that you are cherished. Mike, I hope you see yourself with not only respect but with compassion toward yourself. Together, I hope you both get a deep sense of connection that allows you to grow together, through pain and challenges and come to a place of celebration.”

WHAT BRIAN AND MARINA LOVE ABOUT TANNIS AND MIKE

Brian and Marina marvel at Mike and Tannis’s resilience! They love and appreciate how they are grounded in faith – in God, each other and family. Their shared values, mutual respect, trust and honest, open communication are incredible qualities of their marriage. Brian and Marina say their supper is unconditional love with a genuine heart and mind connection. They hope these portraits remind them of the love, joy and admiration they have for one another.

LOVE WINS EVERY TIME

Having the opportunity to spend the day with Mike and Tannis and speak with their family and friends, has been an incredible honor for our entire team. Their Rising Phoenix Experience is one of strength and resilience and triumph over a darkness we have all faced at one point. Our biggest takeaway is the importance of conversation regarding mental health. It is critical and could literally save lives by tearing down the stigmas and barriers surrounding this topic. But also, our hope is renewed and we are so thankful for Mike and Tannis’s reminder that love wins every time.

ARE YOU READY TO RISE LIKE A PHOENIX THIS YEAR?

8 out of 10 Rising Phoenixes feel SELF-CONSCIOUS about APPEARING conceited or vain.

To have a big portrait of themselves in their home office, their bedroom, even their front entry, they don’t want people to get the wrong idea.

Cherie came from TN. We interviewed her friends and family. They all said she is STRONG! Every single one of them used that specific word to describe her resilience, what has risen from the ashes.

But she said, “I feel like if I put photos of myself on the wall, people will think I’m conceited.

I know people say I’m strong, I guess I just don’t see myself that way.”

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNOWING TRUTH AND OWNING IT

But Cherie’s friends and family want her to do EVERYTHING it takes to be reminded of it. They actually said, “When Cherie sees these photos on the wall of herself, we hope it makes her FEEL strong.”

That she OWNS it.

When you know it, you need to be reminded of the truth.

When you OWN it, you have an ENDLESS WELL to lend others.

YOU GIVE TO EVERYONE

You’ve most likely given to everyone else. The time has come to give something transformational and lasting to you. Just read the following stories.

Have you achieved a weight goal like Tannis or Jamie? Read Jamie’s inspiring story of never going back after significant weight loss.

Maybe you need deeper healing from childhood trauma. You’ve done the counseling but still struggle to see the truth about who you are. You may relate to Tiffany’s story.

Jajuan flew from Seattle for his Rising Phoenix Experience! He wanted his daughters to see not only who dad is but where he’s come from. Sony spotlighted Jajuan’s Rising Phoenix story as one of the Best Of portraits in 2022! See Jajuan’s powerful story.

Or maybe you’re turning 40, 50, 60 or 70+ and want to reflect and celebrate who you are and the possibilities of what this next season of life holds? 

The first step is to fill out our Rising Phoenix inquiry; CLICK HERE.

MICHELLE FOUND COURAGE TO STEP BEYOND GRIEF

Meet Michelle. She is definitely someone who has known great courage. At one time, she was an interrogator for the US military in the Middle East. This 5’4 woman knows confidence. But the loss of her mom swallowed that confidence.

There are some seasons in life when we feel unshakeable courage and other seasons that leave us feeling lost. After great loss, it takes great courage to step forward. Maybe you relate to Michelle’s story.

MEET OUR OLDEST RISING PHOENIX

She was in her 80s and never had her makeup and hair done. I’ll never forget the giggles we had over watching Oma that day in the studio. This beautiful 4’9 woman came to the United States with Opa when she was only 23 yrs old and pregnant with her first baby. All they had was $50. Leaving behind family and all that was familiar in the Netherlands, they boarded a cargo boat and set out to make a new life.

Krista, Oma’s granddaughter, had a FIORIA family experience with us last year. When she saw us launch the Rising Phoenix Experience, she thought of her grandma. Oma is the heart of their family and lived eighty plus years as a rising phoenix.

Click Here to meet Oma, our oldest Rising Phoenix!

CRYSTAL DROVE TO US FROM LAS VEGAS.

A single woman who has always been known for being responsible and quiet, yet there is another side of her that wants to come out. A side that is brave and takes risks—that believes she is worthy of doing something special not just for others but for herself too. A year after her Rising Phoenix Experience, she sent us photos of her traveling solo in Europe! She told us how much her life has changed from seeing who she is every day when she looks at her Phoenix portraits!

What truth do you need to be reminded of daily to unleash your purpose and potential?

MEET OUR YOUNGEST RISING PHOENIX, A MIRACLE PHOTO SHOOT!

CLICK HERE to see the most miraculous Rising Phoenix portraits!

This is the first time Isabella has ever looked at the camera and smiled. This was a miracle photo shoot.

I’ll never forget my first Discovery Call with Isabella’s mom. She wasn’t sure this was a good idea because Isabella is very sensory sensitive. Photo shoots have never gone well in the past. She felt very hesitant to believe this photo shoot could be a success.

I felt her words on such a deep level. I didn’t want to set them up for disappointment either. But I just knew that there was something so special about this whole thing. I told her, “There are many doubts and fears I can struggle with, but this is something I am confident I can do.” She borrowed that confidence, and we witnessed a miracle photo shoot.

ALL THESE PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON, THEY WERE READY TO …

Rise above the ashes of what other people have said
Rising above their fear and doubts
Own their Rising Phoenix within.

Through our Rising Phoenix Experience, they not only did something special for themselves but also experienced transformation.

We invite you to experience the transformation too!

YOUR RISING PHOENIX EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:

• Signature Phone Calls with You and Loved Ones (collection of words that give you life)
• Professional Hair & Makeup
• Wardrobe Consultation & Vision
• Rising Phoenix Photo Shoot with Me Ra Koh (Sony Artisan, Disney Host, and Live with Kelly & Ryan Guest Expert—You’re in good hands. I will pose you, and Brian will drop shadows and light on you in the most flattering way that radiates your Rising Phoenix.)
• Same Day Cinematic Reveal & Custom Design Session with our In-House Design Specialist
• Beautiful Artwork of Your Rising Phoenix, Custom Designed for the Best Place where it will Speak Truth to You Every Day.

CLICK HERE to fill out the inquiry and begin your Rising Phoenix Experience!

I can’t wait to speak soon! Still we rise!
Me Ra

GEAR USED

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