Brad & Joyce Peters
Most of the time, I'm photographing a stunning wedding dress or happy kids, but sometimes hard moments arise and I have to photograph those too. Life isn't always rainbows and butterflies, sometimes it's tears and your biggest fears coming true. Sometimes, life brings you loss.
“Tis a Fearful Thing
‘Tis a fearful thing
to love what death can touch.
A fearful thing
to love, to hope, to dream, to be –
to be,
And oh, to lose.
A thing for fools, this,
And a holy thing,
a holy thing
to love.
For your life has lived in me,
your laugh once lifted me,
your word was gift to me.
To remember this brings painful joy.
‘Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing, to love
what death has touched.”
- Yudah HaLevi
That quote by Yudah HaLevi was shared at Brad's funeral earlier this month. Brad was only 32 when the Maker called him home. While 32 is too young, Brad sure didn't live his life like 32 was young. Brad knew the importance of hard work, cherishing and loving his wife, Joyce, spending holidays with his family, watching football with friends, constantly cracking jokes and being witty, and most importantly, seeking Jesus daily.
I'm not going to lie to you - photographing Brad and Joyce in the middle of Brad's fight with cancer was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Attending Brad's funeral wasn't easy. This blog post has been the most challenging one I've ever written. Honestly, I have tears falling down my cheeks right now. I don't cry because of Brad. I know that Brad's battle with cancer ended in what looks like defeat, but it didn't. Brad's body is whole now, he's 100% complete. I cry because of Joyce. She's here, and he's there. She's still considered a newlywed and is now a widow. She's the one who has loved what death has touched; she's the one who is experiencing loss.
As I write this, I want you to know that when it comes to dealing with loss, you're not alone. I want you to stop for a minute and remember those that have gone before you. I want to remind you to cherish the moments that are fleeting. I ultimately want you to know that among you are thousands of other people who have lost a loved one too.
My dear Joyce, please know that you're not alone. The Father loves you and is fighting for you. Know that me and so many of your friends are here with arms open if you need. Also, remember to be yourself, even if that means there are still tears, for this is real life and your life.