Ya know that feeling you get when you really hit it off with someone? Well, that's how I felt when I met and worked with this mom at Webster Thomas High School as teaching assistants. Tracy has moved on, but our friendship has remained. She even convinced me to photograph her wedding in 2019! And what a wedding!! It was cold. It was snowy. It was in a park in Naples and it was fun!!!

When it came time for her son's senior portraits, she called on me. Patrick is a very low-key guy so while I focused on him, we also planned for the full family portraits as part of the session. It worked out perfectly. They had planned a post-wedding celebration several months after the actual wedding so no more cold and snow! Durand Eastman Park clubhouse was the location for the party and the portraits and it was a beautiful day.

I wish Patrick all the best as he heads off this fall for bigger and better things and to the entire Small/Dennis family...I love you guys! You are unique, quirky, full of fun and laughs and I thank you for choosing me to capture that!!!

Meet Meredith! This Webster Schroeder senior was a true delight to get to know. Mom informed me during our initial conversation that Meredith has Downs Syndrome and suffered a stroke last year which left her with a fear of strangers. Fortunately, we were able to meet in advance for her to get to know me and to talk about location and clothing. Ultimately, we decided that photographing the session at her home would be the best bet to allow her to feel the most comfortable.

This young lady has so much joy in her heart. To see her hug her "Bear" brought a smile to my face. Mom, dad and sister Katie helped to make our time together go smoothly and I was even able to convince Katie to be in a few shots. When I asked mom what she'd like people to know about Meredith, she said "Where do I begin! She loves family parties, babies and handing out candy to the little kids on Halloween. She has a way of bringing out the best in people and is the most delightful human in the world! I  would have to agree with that sentiment!!!

I wanted to include the following poem because I felt so touched by what it said.

Down Syndrome Creed

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As God in the heavens
Looks down from above
To Him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do it as you do
But at my own pace

A heartfelt thanks to Meredith and her family for choosing me to photograph her senior portrait session. All the best Meredith!

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