10/07/2026
It’s hard to know what to say when a loss feels this big.
This past weekend, we unexpectedly lost my father-in-law, Alan. He had been part of my life for almost 20 years… more than half of my life. It’s hard to even wrap my head around the fact that he’s gone, or what life is supposed to look like without him in it.
Our family is hurting. Adam lost his dad, the person he could call for anything. Our kids lost their Da. And I lost someone who has simply been family for so much of my life.
Alan was also one of my biggest supporters when I first started photography. He bought me my first little beginner studio kit and a starter lens, encouraged me, shared my work, and was always proud of what I was doing. It feels important to acknowledge that here, because in his own way, he was part of the beginning of Mary Boike Photography too.
Right now, we’re just trying to grieve and process everything while also handling all of the things that come with unexpectedly losing a parent. With Adam being an only child, there is so much to navigate.
I know many of you are waiting on galleries, and I know I was already behind before our whole world changed this weekend. I’m asking for a little extra grace and patience in the coming weeks. I will continue working when I can, but things may move a little slower while we take care of each other and figure out how to navigate this loss.
Thank you to everyone who has already reached out, prayed for us, and checked on us.
We’re going to miss him more than I know how to put into words. 🤍
