Celebrating Life [Personal-St. Louis Photographer]

Grateful and in pure and utter awe can’t even begin to describe my feelings on this day.

My papa passed away the night of November 3rd. And in all accounts, his death was as perfect as his life. He died peacefully in his sleep. You see, November 4th he would have celebrated his 67th wedding anniversary. And it would have been the first without my grandma who passed away at the end of this past July. It seems that he couldn’t live another day, especially their anniversary, alone.

My heart aches for such a great loss. When my dad called with the news, that sadness quickly turned into a humbling gratefulness that consumes me. No suffering, no pain and just over three months since the passing of his beloved wife. He didn’t have to live one more day without her. I can only imagine what the reunion must have been like when they saw each other again…I’d like to think it was much like a nervous groom waiting at the end of the aisle and seeing his new bride for the first time.

I am so thankful for so many hours, days and years with such a wonderful man who was my Papa. I learned so much from him and I’d like to share a few of my thoughts and lessons:

• BE STUBBORN! Sometimes it pays off!
• Never be late for church.
• Owning your own business means you have the best boss ever.
• Buy your wife nice jewelry (boys…listen up!)
• Exercise in the morning…you’ll feel better.
• Take a walk with the ones you love.
• Watch the stock market and learn. Pinching pennies pays dividends.
• Leave a legacy of love that is beyond measure. When all is said and done…this is what you will be remembered for.

In July, I wrote of the void that was left in his life after the passing of my grandma. He prayed that she would go first and he would follow. Isn’t God amazing to answer the prayers of such a faithful man? None of us could have even thought of a passing such as his…so perfect in every way. And I am again humbled by a gracious and all-knowing God whose plan holds more than my heart can believe possible.

What a beautiful story. What a beautiful life. What a legacy of love that has been left to follow.

So today I celebrate his life…abundant and ever-present in the moment--imperfect and yet so perfect.

Thanks for letting me speak my mind and sharing with me in a life well-lived...

Just two short years ago at my wedding! Look at my grandma's face...and how happy they were. This was their 65th year together!


This one's for you Bridgie...this bike brought us more joy than it did them!


A little blurry but one of my favorites of all time of them. This was my first Christmas.




Another favorite taken on a very blessed Easter morning where they witnessed Emma Claire's sweet baptism.