A Chorus Line of Forever Friends

During the years I photographed for loving aunt ruth,  I met bushels of Aunt Ruth's life long friends.  Most of these fabulous people have spent their lives in Akron, Ohio, so they have shared memories that date back not only to their own kindergarten experiences but to their children's schooling, grandchildren's, and even great grandchildren's memorable moments.  Extraordinary times...when families weren't scattered around the world.


New Year's eve was another opportunity for Aunt Ruth to socialize with some of her dear ones.  Dress up.  Laugh.  Raise glasses in toasts honoring the memories of husbands, children, and friends who are gone.  


As I lifted the camera up to focus, I found myself deeply appreciative for  the lessons Aunt Ruth has generously shared with me.    My commitment to nurturing friendships has deepened, and I find myself planning more gatherings than I have in the past.  All right, maybe it's just to compete with Aunt Ruth, but my life is fuller since emulating what I admire about hers.


I had the pleasure of working with a young and very talented photographer, Tanya, editing the hundreds of images of Aunt Ruth, and I asked her what she learned during her tenure in my studio.  She said Aunt Ruth's advice to appreciate everything has stayed with her.  


Me too.