“What do you have to remember today if everything changed tomorrow” -Dane Sanders. During Dane’s platform session at Imaging 2010 this is one of the quotes that I wrote down to remember. One of the underlying reasons I’ve always loved photography and have a passion to share it with others. I’m a total advocate encouraging everyone to pick up their camera more often- you only live once and tomorrow could change your life.
It was reading that quote that inspired me to finish the pictures I took Saturday. I was asked last week by a friend to take pictures at a 11 year old boy’s memorial. She’d organized a balloon release and asked if I’d be present. “Count me in” I told her. When I arrived I was hit pretty hard. Even though I didn’t know this boy, his family, or anyone there the scene and heaviness in the air forced me to take a deep breath to keep back to tears. Nick had a younger brother who is 8 and an older brother who is 16. Bullets intended for his brother hit him in the head while he was sleeping in bed and that eventually led to his death. Sad, tragic, devastating.. I don’t think those words begin to describe the thoughts and feelings of all those attending this event, specially his family.
I didn’t know the family or the little boy but in his 11 years of life he left an impact on literally hundreds of people. The hardest part was seeing so many kids, young kids there mourning the loss of their friend. Friends are your world when your a kid and to suddenly have that taken from you goes beyond devastation. This was a very special little guy, I think a few words from his guestbook online proves that…
Dear Shefffey family, we have been your neighbors on Admiral Drive, watching your boys grow up. We are shocked and so sad to hear about your loss. Nick and his brother have brought this street to life with their enterprising ways. Always outside, always finding kids to play with, riding their carts and all sorts of vehicles. Nick was such a sweet and polite boy, and so full of the joy of living. He was never shy in approaching people and shared his stories and asked about yours, when you walked past.
Please accept our condolences, and know that he will be remembered and missed by so many people in Huntley Hills.
Your neighbors,
Nick was my closest friend i had ( i had other friends) and when kids at cmsfound out what happened I and other broke out nito tears yelling and crying.
You can see this wasn’t your typical 11 year old boy and I’m sure there are many people asking “why”. It’s a stark reminder that in a matter of seconds life can turn upside down.
Have you taken enough pictures to remember today if it all changed tomorrow? Do you have pictures of your family, loved ones, friends, and relatives so if they were taken away tomorrow you’d have something to hold on to? Even as a photographer, I’ll admit I rarely get the camera out for personal use. I have far more pictures of other families and couples in love than I do of my own family, and my husband and I. This serves as a stark reminder just how fragile life is…
Holding on tight…
The Sheffey Family
This picture speaks volumes…
Can you imagine being 8 and writing a final goodbye message to your older brother?
I really liked this picture. Nick was there watching from above.
Watch the story unfold here.
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