I don’t even know how to begin this blog post. On one hand, I can talk about living every moment to its fullest. Loving, forgiving, caring, and spending time with the ones that mean the most to you as sometimes life takes us on journeys we didn’t sign up for. The brave and beautiful mom in these photographs lost her husband Rick suddenly during the Melissa’s road race last September. She was pregnant with their third child and at the end of January a little baby girl arrived to greet her mom and two older brothers. The range of emotions this family is dealing with is challenging to imagine for many of us, but I do know a new bundle of joy to cuddle, smile at and love can guide you through very difficult times.
On another angle, it could be about giving support and compassion. A friend of mine knows very well about this road you must stumble down as she also lost her husband and the father of their three little boys tragically two and a half years ago. We were scheduled to have a photo session only a week after Dave died. Instead, we took them a few months after without Dave there. And although there was certainly an empty space we could feel in the photographs, Cathy found the process healing. Cathy approached me three weeks after this little baby was born and shared Denise’s story. She wanted to offer the same sort of healing to Denise and her family. She knew this little baby deserved to have photos and joy and we are able to give these photos to Denise to help her through a challenging time. I’m sure at one point in time Cathy never imagined being able to help another go through a loss like she is helping Denise, but I know how Denise appreciates it so much. Life is about giving support to those who need and it is a very rewarding feeling that can fill you up than helping others.
Denise, your family is beautiful. When you speak of Rick I can just feel the bond the two of you had. I am happy you are able to look at your three children everyday and see Rick in each one of them. One day you will be able to look at these photographs and have a smile replace the emptiness that resides there now. Rick is such a part of each one of them and you will always see a reflection of him and his values and love in your family. At some point down the road that will fill you with more joy than sadness. Enjoy your sweet new baby and your gorgeous boys.
