“She asked, ‘you are in love, what does love look like?’ To which I replied, ‘like everything I’ve ever lost came back to me.'” – Nayyirah Waheed
What does the best shoot I’ve ever had the honor of shooting look like? Like this! Y’all will have to bear with me on this one because as I type I can’t write this without crying. There are times that I am blown away by the honor of being included in peoples most cherished memories. To be trusted with capturing those moments is one of the greatest things about my job. This was extra special though.
This is Bethany. One of my dearest friends. I love her. I adore her. She is a soul mate of the most amazing quality. If anybody on this earth knows my heart as well as, if not better than I do, it’s her. For nearly 8 years she has loved me unconditionally when I didn’t deserve it. She has never let me be less than I am capable of being. When I need a kick in the butt she puts her butt kicking boots on. When I need a hug her arms are always there even from 1060 miles away. At the worst and best moments of my life she has been one of the few constants and I thank God for her daily. She is one of the strongest, kindest, and most faithful women I have ever known. The kind of woman I aspire to be. So, when she got sick last year my heart broke. I remember when it first started doing the whole angry fist shaking at God and refusing to forgive him if he let anything happen to her. (This is kind of complicated to explain without an entirely separate post, so you can read more here: http://www.gofundme.com/bojlm4).
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The amazing story of faith, love, and healing that has come from the last year is one that I am soooo blessed to be a part of and to witness first hand.
So a little background before the pictures (this is my perspective and I hope soon you will get to hear B’s on her own little blog/journal because it is amazing and everybody should hear it. Stay posted for that). Bethany and Joseph met and got married at a young age, they had three stunningly beautiful babies and built a life together. However, like some do, they lost sight of some things along the way and eventually divorced. Although no longer together, I can say from first hand experience, these two have always rocked the co-parenting thing. United for their babies at all times and two people who have lived and been Autism parents/warriors. Many years later, in the midst of an ordinary day, life changed in an instant. On June 4th, 2014, Bethany began her journey with debilitating seizures that turned her world upside down. As her bestie, this moment may have been heartbreaking and scary, but it was also the moment that I witnessed Joseph become the truest example of selfless love. The kind that would make even the coldest heart believe in love again. He was there that day when the first seizure happened, and He’s been there, unwavering, every day since.
After far too long, I was finally able to manage a few days to get to Texas and be with them last week. After months of life being an entire unknown moment to moment journey, I walked into a home filled with joy, love, dancing, and laughter. I have never seen any of them happier. A family of 5 so in love with the life God has given them no matter what happens. I have never been so inspired in my own faith or to open my heart to possibility. When I left my face literally hurt from laughing so much.
So I could probably go on and on and on, but as you get through the photos you will see why this was the best shoot ever and why I loved this night so much. (Hint: Joseph surprised us all.) Bethany asked me to capture photos of her family while I was there and I knew exactly where I wanted to take her to do so. This place is incredibly special to me for many reasons but now I have another reason to add. I was slightly terrified to take her there because I knew it would be a challenge with the long trip and hike required and I was scared of it being too much for her. But Joseph, of course knight in shining armor that He is his, carried her and I am sooo glad we made it happen.
