10/16/2025
In Memory of Andy
In the spring of last year, I captured a very special family photo session, the video from which I shared yesterday.
Andy reached out to me months prior, very briefly alluding to why he wanted to get these family photos taken, citing that his family had been on “a bit of a medical roller coaster the last 5 years.”
As we spoke more, I learned the details, which included their youngest daughter having endured four open heart surgeries, his wife battling and beating cancer, and his own non-curable cancer diagnosis that he was over a year into chemotherapy for.
This was a session, and family story, that hit all too close to home for me.
You see, Andy shared the same cancer diagnosis as my dad.
And this week, he was called Home. His youngest daughter the same age as I was when my dad was called Home, Andy the same age as my dad was then.
We realized at the time that we were all meant to cross paths for this occasion for a reason. And I am so grateful I could capture these beautiful memories for this amazing family who have been through so much!
I tried to put myself in their daughters’ shoes. Because I’ve been there.
It was difficult for me to be in such a position. I always try my best to capture photos with the understanding that one day, photos and memories will be all we have left of our loved ones. Since childhood, that’s been my story.
But with Andy’s family, I feared that reality would be sooner than later for them. Which made it really hard for me to treat this session the same as I do any other. I had a good cry beforehand and then straightened my shoulders and put my happy face on. Because that’s what they deserved.
Andy was always so kind and positive. And he loved his girls so much. I’m glad he gave them the gift of these photos to have forever.
Sending my love to all of his family and friends today. Andy was one of the good ones. ❤️❤️
