Strength in Numbers

This evening I had the chance to photograph four girls, four friends. They were absolutely hilarious with all their inside jokes, took me back to high school with my best friends. As we walked from place to place throughout Hartwood Acres they carried on about boys, rivals, cheer-leading and sports. Except, these girls were different. These girls were happy but happy because they were alive, happy because they were free and happy because they were trying to be. They were really hurting. I could tell that from serious faces and dazed looks my lens picked up every once in a while. Not a moment passed where I saw every girl completely focused on the moment, there was something else looming. Every once in a while they would talk about "her" or "she." I knew who they were talking about because before the shoot I was informed that they wanted to honor a close friend that had passed away recently. They had bracelets and t shirts made to remember her, I was even fortunate enough to snag a bracelet at the end of the shoot. At this point something really, really struck a cord though. Just before I got in my car, the neighboring car's window rolled down. "Would you like a bracelet?" One of the girls from the shoot had her hand out the window, ready to hand me a bracelet, in honor of their friend. Bittersweet. I accepted. How I wish I could have taken the offer but given them their friend back! To lose a friend and at such a young age, I can't imagine. As I took the bracelet, I mentioned to them that even though I am so terribly sorry for their loss, I am so very happy for them. I am happy for them because they were the lucky ones to have a group of 5 strong and fearless friends. A group of friends like so doesn't come around too often and when it does, you just have to cherish it. Something I too am working on. Cherishing my relationships, especially the one I have with my oldest and dearest friend. (Yes, I am talking about you Ms. Perko.) Sometimes, I have to realize that the mountain of laundry can wait until tomorrow and the dishes can cool down in the dishwasher. I have to realize that relationships can come and go but the person that is always and has always been there for you, is the one that really, really matters. I might not be a group of FIVE friends, but I am a strong and fearless member of a fabulous Twosome. A twosome that I vow to never, ever take for granted. <3