You've met those people who complain about everything, right?
I'm not talking about those who greive real life issues and trials that we all have to face.
I'm talking about the ones where everything is always wrong and some tragedy is always looming in the distance.
The ones who suck the life from every conversation and compel us to avoid eye contact so we don't get dragged down be their never ending list of woes.
You've got names in your head right now, don't you?
We'll say a little prayer for them and hope they can choose a heart of gratitude in the near future.
In the meantime, we'll be overjoyed with the people we DO know who, despite real, seemingly insurmountable grief and loss, are thankful.
You'll remember Loralye from when I photographed Alyssa and her sweet family in their home a few months ago. (Check out this one and this one, too)
Loralye is absolutely facing some real challenges in life, challenges that would have knocked me to my knees and kept me there.
Personal chronic health problems, terminal illness of a parent, bullies at school, difficult relationships, and a severe injury that's keeping her off her beloved softball field during her senior year. Loralye is facing some serious difficulties for one who's only 17.
Yet, at no point during our session (or any interaction I have with her), did she complain. I even asked multiple times how her shoulder was feeling, how she was handling various issues, and never was there a sob story.
Never did this young woman make herself out to be a victim of the unjustness of all these compounded difficulties.
She simply expressed the truth of what she was facing and then carried on . . .
It's like she knows she's built for difficult times, like she's aware of the fact that woven into her DNA is the ability to face any trial, any devastation, and any brutality with perseverance.
Or maybe it's that Loralye doesn't allow the difficulties of her situation to outweigh the blessings in her life.
Could it be that this young girl, who's already faced so much, carries a quiet wisdom that few attain even in old age?
. . . that joy is not found in the absence of hardship but in the presence of courage?
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about Loralye isn’t just her strength, but her refusal to let life’s shadows dim her light. And in that, we are reminded: resilience is beautiful.
"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it." -The Talmud
What an honor to photograph the light that spills out of you, Loralye. There is a reason people are drawn to you, even complete strangers at a store. Yes, you're eyes are captivating and you are truly beautiful . . . but more than that, it is your kind-hearted soul that speaks to the soul of others.
Who you choose to be is what I adore most about you.
Thank you for letting me be your photographer and visiting Shea and I at my photography studio in Ulster Pennsylvania.
Love,
Melinda
Are you ready for an unforgettable photoshoot experience?
Whether you're envisioning a stunning branding session, a milestone birthday shoot, mother-daughter portraits, professional headshots, contemporary portraits, or even an elegant boudoir/Unwrapped session, we’ll craft something truly breathtaking—just for you.
✨ Let’s create something extraordinary together.
[Click here] to start the conversation today!
Visit Our Stunning Private Photography Studio in Ulster, PA
I designed and built this space from the ground up, with every detail crafted to create a comfortable, luxurious experience. You have to see it!
We proudly serve clients in:📍 Athens, PA📍 Sayre, PA📍 Towanda, PA📍 Elmira, NY📍 … and beyond!
Comentarios