I Do

September 19, 2004 was a day not unlike today. The sun was shining and there was brisk breeze blowing as we prepared to publicly join as husband and wife.

There was excitement in the air. I can close my eyes and think about the day and all of the events like it were yesterday. Still, memory begins to fade as time marches on.

I'm so excited and blessed to do what I do (Photography). I am able to capture joyous events and milestones in the lives of our clients and friends. This has become even more "real" to me after looking through our wedding images five years later.

I was able to relive all the joy and happiness that we shared with our family and friends. But most importantly, I remembered the love that I felt for my beautiful bride.

This post is dedicated to you Tammi. I love you more today than I did 5 years ago. If I was asked the question again today, to have you and to hold you from this day forward, my answer would be an emphatic "I DO".

I love you honey.Happy anniversary

Personal Assignment

As many of you know, my mother in law (Tammi's mom) is in the final days of her battle with cancer.

A few days ago I felt compelled to document the effects of his horrific disease and the toll it takes, not only on its victim, but also that of their loved ones.

I drove Tammi to her sister's house where my mother in law is living her final days on earth. I felt a little funny photographing her but as she was surrounded buy her loved ones, the uneasiness soon faded. As mom (Diane) was being comforted and touched and kissed by her daughters, I knew somehow in some strange way, that what I was doing would help my family eventually get through the grieving process.

I captured some more images this morning. Oddly enough for me, I hadn't looked at any of them until today. I usually scroll through the images on the back of my camera right after I'm done photographing. I didn't this time. Why? I don't know.

What is to become of these images? I don't know that either. Part of me wants to post them and make them public. Part of me wants them to remain private. -The Jury is still out.

I can say this. I think there are some powerful images in there and maybe... just maybe, I have come close to making a difference in this world using the gift I have been given.

~Perhaps I have created a living legacy.

Please leave Tammi (Gabrielle) your thoughts on her Facebook page. I'm sure she will love to hear from you.

Resolutions

Well, here it is, the fifth day of January 2009. Where does the time go?

You can tell you are getting older when the years do pass much more quickly than they did when you were younger.

I've been thinking about how people usaully wait until a new year to resolve to make changes in their lives. Usually weight loss, to quit smoking, to be a better person, etc. What's so special about January 1st that it magically makes people want to change their lives for the better?

Don't get me wrong. I think it's awesome that people want to make positive changes in their lives. I just think that once a year is too few and far between to do it. Why not make a new resolution once a month... or even better, once a week?

Today, I am implementing a new tradition. I am making a "New Day Resolution". That way, if I fall behind or need to tweek or change my resolutions, I don't feel like I've failed miserabley. I can just modify them the very next day!

Today's resolution is to keep this blog current. I hate looking at the blog and realizing that it's gone for months without any new information added to it. It took a bit of effort, but I was able to blow the dust off and make this post.

So there you have it. I have started 2009 with a new day resolution that I can stick to... and tomorrow, a new one. I would encourage you to do the same. Don't let the calendar dictate when you change your life.

Trying Times

It has been a sad and hectic time for our family over the last few days. We found out Thursday morning that Tammi's sister was in a car accident on her way to work.

The accident happened at the intersection on Middlebelt and Michigan Avenue. ...I wonder... Can you really call it an accident when you are sitting at a stop light minding your business and out of nowhere, you're hit at 45 miles an hour from behind? AN accident? The driver of the Jeep Commander apparently didn't even brake. -Why? and why is that an accident?

As my sister in law lies in a hospital bed with a broken back and a broken leg, I have trouble finding the "fairness" in all of this. She has already been through an eight hour surgery yesterday to repair a compound fracture (2 of them actually) of her leg and spinal surgery to remove a broken lumbar. ...and this is only the beginning. More surgery in the coming weeks will be needed if she ever plans to walk again.

My sister in law is one of the strongest people that I know and I'm sure that she will pull through this. Unfortunately, because of the actions of another, she has been changed for life.

Tammi and I and our entire family are quite thankful that Tracy will, in time be able to walk again. Her life will certainly have to change. We thank God that she has a life and that it wasn't wasted at the hands of another by "accident".

Below are photos of the car that I took today.