the story of them
I first crossed paths with Cara around 1996 or 1997, shortly after I graduated from high school. We both worked at a local restaurant while attending college, and from the moment we met, we hit it off. Despite the passage of time, we’ve managed to stay in touch over the years, whether it’s bumping into each other at a concert or keeping up through Facebook.
Cara’s love story with Alex, her future husband and father of her three beautiful children, began during high school.
Here is her story:
“Exactly one week ago this morning, Alex and I took a walk with the dogs on the trail. We talked, laughed, held hands and made plans for Christmas, the summer and the new baby. I didn’t realize at that time that I would never see him again.
This morning as I am picking up the thousands of pieces of my broken heart, I am overflowing with so many emotions. I’m just so devastated, shocked, scared, angry, confused, and anxious….BUT i am also very grateful.
I am grateful to all of you who have taken the time to reach out, who have pass along your condolences, dropped off gifts and food to our home, came to honor Alex’s life at the visitation and funeral, to those who have donated to our family, and for those who are continuing to pray for us. We appreciate you. We need you. We love you. My sincerest thank you. And I’m so sorry that it has taken this long for me to express my gratitude, I am in so much pain that my fingers couldn’t type and my brain couldn’t formulate a sentence.
I don’t know how you move forward after something like this. I just don’t. I can’t imagine living and parenting without my best friend, my partner, my soulmate. He was my everything.
Over the past few days people have answered that question for me, they said “you do it with help from your family, friends, community and the love and strength that Alex has given to you.” “You do it for your children.” So for anyone reading this message, please don’t stop loving and supporting us. The girls need you. I need you. Alex needs you.”
When Cara asked me to do these photos for her, I was honored. This is where I find the most purpose in what I do. As a reminder of a time in life whether it be joyful, sorrowful or like Cara… resilient. As I put together this very blog post and I put together the collection of photos.. All I see is 4 very brace, strong woman.
Facebook post August 2019:
“I scroll through the collection of pictures, I am so emotional that it’s difficult to find the words for this post. It is equally difficult to narrow down my favorites. They are all so special and beautiful. Thank you, Taryn, for capturing our journey this far…you are an amazingly talented photographer. I am so grateful for you and for our friendship over the past 20+ years. Our photo shoot with you was such a special experience, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I look at these pictures, I see how far we have come as a team of women partnering together, making the best of our situation and living our best lives. Strength. Resilience. Perseverance. Hope. Love.”
Enjoy. XO, Taryn
ENJOY! xo, Taryn
