This post is way more real and raw than my normal posts. You might think I share a ton about my personal life but I’m actually very private and there is a lot I do not post. I debated on whether I wanted to write about this or not. I decided I had to. Because it’s important. Because it’s about something and someone who means the world to me. So I opened my heart and let my feelings out in writing.

For the past year, my dear Aunt Joan battled cancer. Her days were full of endless doctor’s appointments, surgeries, and chemotherapy. When this all started, my mother graciously moved my aunt in with her and cared for her in every way. I would help whenever it was possible, doing my best to make my aunt feel better in any way I could. I watched my aunt get sicker and sicker. No matter what happened though, she still put on a brave face and a smile. Last Friday, her battle with cancer ended and her journey in this world was complete. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by people that love her.

She was more than just an aunt to me. She was like another mother. I could tell her anything and she would always be there for me with the best piece of advice. I have so many fond memories of her; sleepovers with my cousins at her house, watching all her favorite Harry Potter movies, dancing with her in the living room for hours, all our long road trips and adventures to our favorite places (me always in the backseat trying to make her laugh with my stuffed animal cat.) I know that physically she is gone but to me, she hasn’t left. She is with me in spirit, guiding me and helping me along my path. I am overjoyed to know she is free and no longer in pain. I still feel her because I carry her heart, I carry it in my heart.

Over this next week, my family and I are planning her Celebration of Life. She never wanted a traditional funeral, she wanted us to celebrate all the wonderful things she accomplished and share all of our stories about her. To fully celebrate HER and her life. As we started our preparations, I gathered hundreds of photographs of Joan from multiple family members. We shared stories about what was happening in each photo and I learned so much about her that I didn’t know. It helped me to remember her happy, goofy, and full of life again. Not sick and fighting cancer. It helped me remember my joyous, funny auntie in the way she would want to be remembered.

These photos are a reminder of why photography is so important. It’s what lives on after your loved ones are gone. A photograph transcends time. It provides warm memories and guidance to families for generations. We reach for the photographs in good times and sad times. No matter what, they stand true.

I take great pride in being a photographer and I will continue to do my best to give the world photographs for their families. To give them comfort to reach for in sad times. To give them a happy reminder to reminisce over. To give them something to pass on for generations. I will not settle for mediocre because these photographs are too important to just be thrown together. With every wedding and photo shoot, I understand the significance of what I’m doing. I am documenting memories that will live on long after that moment has passed. Because of the importance of what I do, I will continue to go above and beyond for my clients and give them beautiful photos that reflect their loving memories.

Hug your loved ones. Tell them every day how much you appreciate them. Let them know how much they mean to you. Go above and beyond for the people in your life. Help others! Love each other! Give thanks every single day that you are alive, breathing, and healthy. Don’t fret over the minor inconveniences. Don’t take this short life for granted. Make the most out of your time in this world. Live your life to the fullest!

My dear Auntie Joan – you showed me that the world could be whatever I wanted it to be and that I could do anything I set my mind to. I am forever grateful for that. I will continue to make you proud and call on you (often!) for guidance. I’m so happy your spirit is free and you are at peace. I’ll miss you in this physical world but I know I will see you again. Don’t have too much fun without me! I love you, forever and always. Toots! – (: Shaunae