Love, loss, trust

It is my joy and privilege to be the photographer for this beautiful family whose relatives are all far away in Germany. Our plan was to take pictures every six months, but this year we've all been so busy that I haven't taken any since last December. We've always included their two wonderful dogs, Nelly and Naya, in the full family portrait. This year Naya developed a tumor she could not survive. Those are her ashes in the box under the pumpkins. Their daughter is rapidly growing out of babyhood into little-girl-hood, and she has begun talking in both German and English.

This poem by Mary Oliver about her dog Percy says all I have to say tonight.

I Ask Percy How I Should Live My Life

Love, love, love, says Percy.
And hurry as fast as you can
along the shining beach, or the rubble, or the dust.

Then, go to sleep.
Give up your body heat, your beating heart.
Then, trust.