Ebony and I went to downtown Norcross last Saturday for a photo session.  She likes comedy – even talked about liking “That’s So Raven.”  She hopes to start in commercials and work her way to acting in roles that suit her.  She is lovely – quiet and sweet.  She is quick to smile and is confident.  She is kind – as she was leaving the session she was heading to have brunch with teen girls who need the influence of  someone to look up to.

That is who she is now.  It will be a joy to follow her career – to see who she is in a year… in 5 … in 10 years.  To see where her career takes and to wish for her that she enjoys each new opportunity that comes her way.  Who knows?  Maybe I will see her face on the Small screen soon!   How cool would that be?

The fun is in getting them to talk … about who they are and who they may become – their future -what they are looking forward to in college – what they will study – what lies ahead of them. Slowly you can see them open up …smiles relax… they talk about their life and you can see a little of their dreams.

And then along the way you can capture a glint in their eye – see a joy of life – they are no longer giving plastic smiles but having a good time. How great to photograph this promise – this possibility right before they go off to build a new chapter in their story!

A year later we met again – this time while she was helping her daughter Sarah look for a wedding photographer.  Mary Brooks was a true beautiful southern woman and her daughter was going to have the best.  Each time we met she was so happy as she immersed in all of the details.  Most moms of brides can be a bit harried but Mary Brooks met each moment with joy. 

I heard from her daughter that she lost her battle with breast cancer this past week.  I write in tribute to this woman who I never saw cross or out of sorts – who loved life so much.  I write to encourage people to be involved in helping others to live better.  I write in support of all the women who have survived breast cancer including my mom and a favorite aunt … to those who are battling with cancer right now …  and for those we have lost.   They were someone’s mom… they were someone’s daughter.  Look into how you can get involved!  The Susan G Komen “Race for the Cure.” is a great place to start!

~ Beth