08/25/2026
We’re going through what I believe to be one of the worst portions of the grieving process right now, as the one year mark of losing my mom to ALS approaches.
There are a lot of hard days this month. My birthday on the 11th, my mom’s birthday on the 18th, my parents anniversary tomorrow, and the week of time we all spent in hospice with her beginning September 1st.
I’ve been really steady this year emotionally, which has been a relief. But this part, is getting to me. The unfairness of it all. I’m really dreading reliving the memories of each day she was in hospice. I still haven’t looked at the photos or videos from that week. That week was both a blur and agonizingly slow. I remember saying to Zach that I felt trapped in a nightmare. If only it had been a nightmare.
I am thankful that in conjunction with the pain of that week, I get to remember and reflect on the amount of love I felt, too. I was shown so much kindness and generosity by friends, clients, family, hospice staff, etc.
The fragility of life both inspires and terrifies me, more so every year.
I share this knowing that yall care, and hoping it reaches someone who is grieving so they know it looks different for everyone and that’s ok.
One of my favorite people, Shaiane, told me after our shoot the other day to keep sharing my personal life as she enjoys seeing me out there living. That is exactly why I do photography, I love bearing witness to so many lives. Whether you’re in a season of thriving, or just barely getting through the day, you matter and I love seeing you out there living.
“The purpose of life is to live it”
🦋
