Mother in Law

This past week, my Mother in Law passed away after a year long battle with cancer. Bette was raised by her grandmother, married and raised seven wonderful children.

During the last week of her life, as she lay in bed, the family gathered around her where we all shared memories of her great life. We had collected pictures from all of the family members and were able to create a video presentation and photo books.

The day that she passed on, we brought the photographs into the room and using a video projector, showed the images on the wall. As each image appeared, members of the family shared their stories telling us the story "behind" the picture. There was laughter and tears as old family memories were recalled.

Sharing these moments while Bette was still alive brought a spirit into the room that each person felt. It was undeniable that Bette not only heard the stories, but approved of the gathering. Each child had their own confirmation of this special moment. In the past, I had always considered these images and stories something that helped us recall and remember a special life after the person had passed on.

If you ever have the chance, be sure to share these special moments with the person you love while they are still here. The comfort you receive will be unforgettable and help bring comfort during a time normally reserved for grieving.

I chose the pictures above from hundreds available because I felt that they each told a special story. Bette as a young child sitting on her grandmothers porch. Then thirteen years old, in her prime. On the Bonneville Salt Flats during her "hip" period and finally, with her grandchildren, being the life of the party.

Also From Las Vegas

While walking from my hotel to the convention center, I noticed a little sideshow in the parking lot. Three or four motorcycle riders were jumping over the Boost vehicle from a ramp set up on the right. I stopped where the palm trees framed the rider in mid air (a little hard to see because of the lack of resolution on the iPhone). Also, I had to click the camera shutter when the rider was lined up with the palm tree on the right in order to get him in the middle. Cheaper cameras often have a delay between when you push the button and when the image is captured. You have to practice a little and then try a couple of times to get it right. I got lucky and got this on the first try.

Pics from the Road (literally)

This week I was on my way to Las Vegas for the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show. Somewhere around the city of Nephi, in Utah, the sun rose lighting the sky. I quickly grabbed my iPhone and rolling down the window while going 75 miles per hour, snapped the image above. The air was clear and you can see the remants of three old hanging glaciers on the mountain.