“EVERYTHING COMES FULL CIRCLE”
^^ I read that quote the same day I came home from this session. Coincidence? I think not.
This past week has been so entirely bittersweet for me in so many ways. But to top it off, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions when I had the honor of walking through the front door to capture a newborn session for the family who moved into my childhood home. I can’t even explain to you my feelings, so I’ll just continue to wipe the tears off my cheeks as I write this blog post. I’m also a bit of a sap and a huge sentimental person, so this probably trumps a lot of moments so far in my life. I’m so grateful that Jenni + Luke have allowed me to experience not only these perfect first memories of bringing home their new baby, but for allowing me to walk through the place, where I still in my heart, call ‘home.’
Right in this very spot, in my old bedroom, I hold new Miss Josslyn, who will now also have so many fun memories right here with her friends, her pets, someday maybe other siblings, just finding herself in life and making her own memories just as I did. Those walls are covered with layers of different paint colors and patterns that I transformed to my liking at different points in my life. That walk-in closet behind us transformed from toy bins to a chalkboard for school play, then to a karaoke space filled with teenage clothes spread everywhere.
It’s the place where I found so much of myself and experienced all my years of ‘growing up.’ Walking through the front door, it still felt the same. It was so nice to just FEEL what my heart has always known, where my journey started and to see how much my life has grown since then. It’s where I found my truest passion in life, where I got my first camera and had the first thoughts and dreams of being where I am now. It’s where we got our first family pup and the place she left us too soon for Heaven. We laid that brick patio in the back and I pictured my mama doing yard work in the nice weather out those windows as the birds chirped and the wind blew during our session. My mom had done daycare in our home since I was young, and even before. So many other children’s laughter and smiles came in and out that front door every day making more memories as well.
So many friends, including Josslyn’s mama, remembers taking pictures before dances at our house in Jr. High and High School. The rooms filled with friends during sleepovers and birthday parties. My parents loved hosting, so we had many get togethers and celebrations. It’s the house my babe points to out the car window or sees in a photo and knows that used to be ‘Nana’s house.’ He took his first steps there, right inside the front door. It’s where my first car was parked in the driveway after I got my license. You get it. It’s all just a memory now, but it’s the biggest part of my life and it’s something that will always just stay with me.
You leave home, you move on and you do the best you can.
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave.
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me.
At the end of each day and with many heartfelt wishes, I hope that this will always be your happy place to come home to, sweet girl.
It sure was mine.