These are the words of a song posted regarding the death of a dear friend last night. I had formulated carefully chosen words for this post, but after a day of heart-breaking reflection, I am empty. I created this blog earlier this year as an aide in my journey of finding the true meaning of my photography and how to best apply it to my life. With this photo and this loss, I have found it. I took this photo in April of 2010 at a Navy Dining Out in Annapolis, MD. It was not a portrait session with my 'big camera', but simply a candid moment with my point and shoot. It captures a moment of love, joy and celebration. It captures a moment that will sadly never be duplicated. Last night, my friend Dawn lost her battle with cancer. She leaves behind a loving husband and young twins. This picture can't tell you how wonderful a person she was, how the biggest priorities in her life were her husband and kids, how she made her friends her family, how nutrition and exercise were important to her, how much she loved cooking and the hours she spent happily in the kitchen, how she was the best hostess you could ever be served by, or how her outlook was always logical and heart-felt. This picture many not say all those things to you. But to me, I see this moment and I see the bigger picture. I see a friend in the highlight of her life. I see a friend that has touched me to the soul. I see a friend that will be forever missed. Without this photo, I would only have this vision in my mind. With this photo, her smile (and that of her husband) will be forever branded on my heart. Dawn: We love and miss you. Gregg, Addie and Gehrig: We are here for you in any way we possibly can be. You will always be family to us.
What a beautiful post Tara. I did not know her to the degree you did. My heart breaks for you. She touched my life in many ways, but she truly played a part of yours. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Greg, Addie and Gherig will remain in our prayers as well. Love to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute, Tara. You captured a moment in time that will sure to be a treasure to Gregg and their children forevermore. It almost seems ethereal.
ReplyDeleteLauren Orabona
What a beautiful tribute, Tara. You captured a moment in time that will sure to be a treasure to Gregg and their children forevermore. It almost seems ethereal.
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing gift and have chosen such a beautiful way to share it. How many times have we heard people say that what they value most out of all their possessions are the pictures of friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Having lost people in my life that I loved very much, I can tell you that this picture and any others you can provide to your friend and his children will be a great source of comfort to them. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWe are grateful for the time we spent in Monterey together. We welcomed them to Monterey, they hosted us on our way out. Such nice memories. Dawn was a wonderful, loving mother and great cook. May God Bless us all and our military families. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. Love, The Hubbards
ReplyDeleteTara,I only knew your friend through our emails. As you have told me about her family and what an awesome friend, mother and wife she was I felt as if I knew her also. Your talent of sharing your thoughts in words and pictures is amazing. Thank you for sharing this gift that you have to make pictures into the most beautiful memories. Your family and hers will continue to be in our prayers. We love you!
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