Making Time

In the past year I've done three shoots for the organization Flashes of Hope, two at the Hole in the Wall Gang camp in Ashford, CT and the most recent one at the Smilow Cancer Center at YNHH. The premise of the shoots, photographing sick kids, capturing and preserving moments when there may not be many more moments to come, is a tough one to reconcile. But the kids are amazing, and we have so much fun, and I like the idea of making them feel special in a positive way. The people that work in places like this are also incredible. I haven't met anyone yet that was anything less that kind, fun, gentle and upbeat; all while dealing with situations that can so easily get you down.
I was reminded of this sense of positivity yesterday at a memorial service for a friend who was shot and killed in his home just last week. He was young and kind and good and there seems to be no explanation for his violent death, which makes it all the more frustrating. Friends gathered to tell stories, friends from all over the country and all over every demographic, who wanted to share the beauty and love they felt, and offer some kind of comfort to his family. Be kind to one another.