Navigating Loss and finding unexpected comfort through photograpy

In July of 2022 a seemingly ordinary Friday morning turned into a pivotal moment in my life when I was laid off from my job. Although I felt a sense of unease, I couldn't quite grasp the depth of what was unfolding. That evening, at around 7 PM, I received the devastating news that my uncle had taken his own life.

In that moment, I remember collapsing in tears, overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness and confusion. I questioned everything: the choices he made, the signs I missed, and the weight of such a tragic loss.

The grief didn’t stop there. Just a few days later, on the following Monday, I faced yet another heart-wrenching loss: my beloved aunt succumbed to complications from COVID-19. The world around me felt heavy with sorrow, and I was left grappling with so much pain in such a short span of time.

Yet, even in those days filled with questions and despair, I felt a profound sense of God's presence guiding me through the darkness. It was a reminder that even in our most difficult moments, we are not alone.

As October approached, I faced yet another profound loss—a dear friend who also took her own life. The weight of these experiences began to feel unbearable, yet I found solace in the memories we shared.

Why am I sharing this? Because the photographs I took of my uncle and my friend were used at their funerals. I never imagined those images would serve such a purpose, but ultimately, they brought comfort to many. Each photograph captured a moment in time, a glimpse of their lives that I now cherish even more deeply.

These experiences have taught me the importance of connection, remembrance, and the healing power of love. In the face of loss, we can find ways to honor those we’ve lost, and perhaps, in doing so, we can begin to heal ourselves.