Fate is given to you; however, you create your own destiny. I found this quote in a fortune cookie when I was about 10. I still have it. Some would argue its truth, but it speaks to me.
Life has a way of bringing people, situations, and simple moments into our lives that not only shape who we become but also the paths we seize. It may take days, it may take years but one morning we wake up and realize all those people and things that have come and gone or even the ones that have stayed; have pieced themselves together into a beautiful picture. I find it quite magical.
I was going to be a veterinarian. I started pre-vet classes in college and worked with animals most of my life. As fate would have it bumps were thrown onto my path and as I walked down its new twists and turns the dreams I thought I had, had begun to evolve into something new. Photography being one.
I was faced with a situation that left me with no control over certain aspects of my life. Decisions that a woman should be able to make for herself had been taken away overnight. An emotional rollercoaster filled that spot and I couldn’t quite get a handle on all I was feeling. I decided to focus on photography to help me through. And it became my mission to capture enough of my children’s young lives that I could always have that to hold onto and look back on.
So here I am today a Child Photographer, exploring its depths as I try to create a beautiful picture for others to see. A picture filled with breathtaking moments that sometimes get over looked. Fate handed me things I did not want, but I embraced them and created something for myself that inspires me. A place to contain all those profound emotions I encounter and transform them into a moment captured forever.
The best part is I have found that I can help others with this gift. I always wanted to be something, to mean something, to help others in ways that touched their own hearts. With photography in a small way I can. I have found a few organizations that allow photographers like me the chance to gift their talents and vision to families who have a child suffering from a serious disease or life altering disability. You can find a couple of these organizations in the links below but there are many others out there if you search for them. If you know anyone who could benefit from something like this please let them know and spread the word.
www.inspirationthroughart.org
www.kidscancercrusade.org
Also, check with your own photographer and see if they would be willing to work with you or someone you know. I know many photographers have something dear to their heart that they like to give back to. One that has special meaning for me is the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation. I do not know any child personally with this disease, but after my children were born I suffered from it. It’s what started it all you could say. Every year I try to give back to them as well in any way I can.
So as Fate would have it I would not become a Veterinarian, but new doors did open. I found a love I never knew was inside of me. And I am fortunate to be able to try and help others add a few flowers to the difficult roads they find themselves on. It has not only been for them but it also fills my heart and the missing piece I had taken away.
If you find yourself surrounded by a thousand pieces that just do not seem to fit, hold on…one day they will and a new journey begun. No matter what life sends us we are touched forever by the roads we travel down. Do not forget where they started, but know we can guide them into something magical.
