I chose this picture so I have a chance to write about someone who means so much to me. Karen was a relatively new friend this summer when we got V's diagnosis. Both our toddler daughters are in the same Kindermusik class.
In July, I sent out the messages regarding our devastating news in layers, like peeling an onion. Those closest to us received the details first, then the next round of friends, etc. I needed to put the pain in writing. I needed to beat the awkwardness to the punch. I couldn't imagine walking back into Kindermusik for the new semester with everyone thinking we'd have a new baby joining our class this winter.
Some people never responded to the emails, some did so in brief one sentence replies talking of miracles and how doctors can be wrong, and some poured their hearts out via the internet. Friendships started to shift in position, with those supporting us coming to play key roles in my life. Karen was a perfect example of this.
She asked to meet at the playground to hear more. As the kids played, we shared stories of loss, pain, grief, trials. She offered to find us a Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep photographer. She offered her own amateur (professional in my opinion) photography services when V arrived. At the time, I had no idea how I wanted the day of V's birth to look, so I hesitated.
I asked her to do maternity photos for us. The hours, care, and skill she put into the photos and slide show are frozen in time. They were the greatest gift as we waited for V's arrival.
Our friendship continued to grow and soon I knew that no only did I want her at the birth to take photos, but I needed her there, as my friend. She arrived very early the morning V was born, photographing the sunrise as she traveled, and stayed until late until the evening, capturing moments that are foggy in my mind because of stress? Lack of sleep? Medications? Maybe my mind is just allowing me to remember things on a timeline that will be easier to handle. Regardless, Karen was there to record that special day and returned again the next day to take some special posed shots that I wanted.
I couldn't believe all she was doing for us. Her husband took off work to watch her daughter so she could be there. We laughed as the automatic faucet in the sink turned on every time her camera's flash went off. Because she was there, I was comfortable telling our Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep photographer that she could leave after a few hours. I am so grateful, though, that before she left, she took the photo you see above of Karen arriving. That picture defines all that she is to me. You can just read it all in her face.
I asked her to do maternity photos for us. The hours, care, and skill she put into the photos and slide show are frozen in time. They were the greatest gift as we waited for V's arrival.
Our friendship continued to grow and soon I knew that no only did I want her at the birth to take photos, but I needed her there, as my friend. She arrived very early the morning V was born, photographing the sunrise as she traveled, and stayed until late until the evening, capturing moments that are foggy in my mind because of stress? Lack of sleep? Medications? Maybe my mind is just allowing me to remember things on a timeline that will be easier to handle. Regardless, Karen was there to record that special day and returned again the next day to take some special posed shots that I wanted.
I couldn't believe all she was doing for us. Her husband took off work to watch her daughter so she could be there. We laughed as the automatic faucet in the sink turned on every time her camera's flash went off. Because she was there, I was comfortable telling our Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep photographer that she could leave after a few hours. I am so grateful, though, that before she left, she took the photo you see above of Karen arriving. That picture defines all that she is to me. You can just read it all in her face.
I also love this one of her holding teeny tiny V.
Both of you are inspiring and delightful women, and I am so glad our paths have crossed! The pic of Karen and Baby V is beautiful, but I love the first one - SO Karen :)
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