My dear ones, life is life-ing.
I don’t have many words yet for all this year has held. “Hard” doesn’t quite cover it, but I’ll stick with “hard” for now.
2026 started with my dad’s health continuing to decline, and he recently went on hospice. What began as physical limitations has become something heavier, with dementia adding a new kind of pain—like when he forgot who our daughter was on Christmas. The slowness of this is a unique sting.
Then, bombs fell in Dubai—one hitting the consulate grounds where my sister works. My sister and nieces were evacuated and came to the States for a few weeks. We held that time close with family meals, snowy days, and being together with my dad.
A few weeks ago, I needed to have surgery, and recovery has been slowwww. I’ve been moving between the bed, the hammock, and the bath—resting and making my way through audiobooks.
We started this “year of the horse” with so much energy and so many plans—new website, branding, team photos. And we’ve been reminded, again and again, that we are not in control. So we’re entering May with our hands open—open to what’s next, and surrendered to this season. Choosing to notice the glimmers.
There is so much to be thankful for: our village showing up in every way—driving Izzy, cooking, cleaning, dropping off coffees, caring for us so well. Clients who have been incredibly kind and understanding. Unexpected time with family. Access to amazing medical care. Izzy leaving me love notes and helping when I need it. And a partner who has carried so much these past few weeks… and then some.
I recently found old photos of my parents as newlyweds —so full of life and light. Their relationship looks so different now, with my mom caring for my dad, but those photos hold a new kind of meaning.
There’s no neat “bow” to tie this up, but I know our humanness and experiences shape who we are—and our work, too.
Connection with our loved ones is everything. We are so honored to capture that for our clients each week, and we feel the weight of what this work means—the legacies and heirlooms we’re helping preserve.
Thank you, truly, for all of your support. Sending you so much love 🤍
