Toilet paper. Something so small and seemingly insignificant until it isn’t. We don’t go about our daily lives thinking of toilet paper and when “shit” metaphorically hits the fan, it isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, if there is one thing I learned from talking to Lyn about the intricacies or real, devastatingly hard, beautiful life, it is that the little things are big things. Sometimes, the most thoughtful and meaningful gestures, he ones that really stick with you for a lifetime, are the ones that pay homage to the little things.

Lyn and her husband, Dave, were diagnosed with cancer at the same time, with three daughters at home that very much needed their parents. Lyn made it out alive and Dave didn’t. She lost the love of her life and under the weight of all of that devastation, she remembers the acts of kindness that stayed with her. A friend that dropped off necessities at her door like cleaning supplies and toilet paper, giving her one less thing to worry about.

Lyn is no stranger to the ways in which life can try to break you. It has been difficult for me to sit down and write about this beautiful soul. If I am being honest, words fail me no matter how many times I try to put them on paper.

My first encounter with Lyn started much like they do with all of my clients. She excitedly told me it was her dream to have me photograph her and her family; five grandkids, three daughters, and two spouses. No small feat for her to arrange, but Lyn expressed it was a once in a lifetime dream of hers and she wanted to make it happen. It wasn’t until I connected with her via phone that she told me she has cancer and this time it is terminal.

This was and is quite literally her end of life wish. A wish that was only really made possible by her terminal diagnosis. What a paradox it is to have the possibility to live one’s greatest dream only in the face of impending death.

This beautiful family traveled together from Alaska for three days of shoots. There was endless laughter and there were some tears, too. More importantly, there was a connection that spanned to the core of the earth and memories that this family will carry with them until time stands still. Lyn made sure of that.

I couldn’t help but think that this family rallied together and put the time in to make Lyn’s dream come true, but in reality, she gave them a gift that made their dreams come true without them even realizing it. It all happened in slow motion, in real time. Kind of like raising your babies without being able to pinpoint the exact moment they grew up. The dream isn’t the images. The images are just proof of the dream. Something tangible to hang onto forever to remember that one magnificent family adventure, made up of little moments and thoughtful gestures, and what it all means.