I don't always cry through the editing process...but when I do, they're happy tears.

Do you ever have those moments where you can feel something click into place? The kind of moment that gives you a sense that you're on the right path, doing the thing you should be doing, where you should be?

I had one of those moments last week, and I can't share it with you without telling a story first:

My husband and I bought our first house 16 years ago, a townhouse in a small neighborhood in North Chili. We didn't realize when we made an offer that we would be the youngest people on the street by about 50 years, and we became known in our new neighborhood as "the kids." This was a time in life where I felt pretty lost--my grandfather had passed away the year before and I was in the process of finishing up my social work degree, not sure of what would come next.

Our neighbors across the street came to introduce themselves to us once we got settled, and when she said "Hi, I'm Gloria and this is my husband, Chuck," I stopped dead in my tracks. Chuck and Gloria. My grandparents' names. Their presence felt like a sign from somewhere that things were going to be just fine.

They became a regular part of our lives, sharing plants, desserts, and conversation, even celebrating with us on our wedding day.

We eventually moved out of that neighborhood, and, over time, lost touch. Until years later when I walked into a local senior community for a photoshoot, and guess who happened to be sitting in the living room:

Since then I have been so glad to reconnect with Chuck and Gloria as I spend time in the community where they live. I always look forward to seeing them, getting my hugs, and catching up.

Enter Aegeliss: a Seattle-based company created out of its founder's love for her grandfather, and a deep desire to improve the experience of others impacted by dementia. Instagram connected us, and after one conversation it was clear that our values align. It has been such a joy to work with Ju and Aegeliss on some of their marketing materials, and to see their products in action during the process.

Last week Chuck and Gloria were kind enough to help me take branding photos for Aegeliss. I always enjoy photo sessions, but this one was special. I got to spend an hour with my friends, capture their connection with one another, and share memories and a few laughs throughout the process. All while supporting a company whose "why" is so similar to my own.

As I was editing these images I found myself feeling emotional in a way that I haven't in a while. I never got to capture portraits of my grandparents as a photographer. I never imagined that I would eventually be here, getting to work at something I love every day. I didn't expect that my professional path would connect me with other business owners with similar stories, missions, and values.

I talk a lot about using photo sessions and edited images as a way to help participants find a sense of healing, but I don't often stop to think about the ways that they help me to heal, too. This one did that in a big way, bringing me a sense of peace that I didn't expect. It's hard to put into writing exactly how these moments made me feel, and that's where photos come in--worth a thousand words, as they say. 😊

Learn more about Aegeliss here: https://www.aegeliss.com/pages/about-us