This one is for the Moms. I see you.
It is almost my turn. All the feelings are already starting to sneak in and we are not yet quite finished with Junior year at my house, but I put out the 2027 Senior Team Model Call and realized that ‘2027’ is the year I have had to write on everything for my oldest throughout his schooling to signify the end of a chapter. I don’t know how it is knocking at our doorstep, but it is and it stings the worst right before I have to take a deep breath and allow the tears of pride, gratitude and joy to flow freely. I bawled my eyes out the first time I dropped him off at daycare, and I feel as if that need to hold on so tight may follow me through the next year. You will find me perpetually with a Kleenex box, I fear. I’ve watched so many before me do the same as they step to the sidelines of my camera and allow their senior to be truly seen one last time. It has always torn at my heart.
The way so many of you call my studio for your boys and tell me photographing this part of their journey might not be on the top of your son’s list, but he will do it for you because it is important to you. You say the same sentiments you did when they were 5 and you were yelling at them across the field not to get grass stains on those knees before the family photos are done- “If we could just get one really good one…” and then I promise you that it will be so much more than that. There will be so many images that capture all of the love and care you poured into that child of yours who is now bravely stepping into a world of their own, and you will wonder just where the years have gone.
During the shoot, I watch you fold and hang your senior’s clothing carefully and remind them to switch shoes or accessories. I watch you brush your hand through their hair the way you have always done. You laugh together over some small joke and then you step back silently in awe of who they are. No senior mom ever intervenes or directs the way they used to correct behavior during a long-past family session. I watch the quiet acceptance as you allow them to be fully who they have become in front of the camera. It is just another small sign of loosening the strings and letting them fly.
I love watching you giggle as they do a ridiculous leprechaun, heel clicking jig in the air. The way you hold your heart when you see them close their eyes and drink in the last of the day’s light as the golden sun pours down on their face and the breeze blows through their hair. I love watching you bury your face in their shoulder with a deep hug as they now tower over you in height when they ask you to join them for the end of their session. Even though you didn’t come dressed to be photographed, you step into frame because this too matters.
How beautifully heart-wrenching and so gloriously affirming it is to see so many incredible relationships walk through my doors. It is always an honor. You did well Mom! All of the good that you are and have done is reflected right back from my camera lens in that high school senior standing tall in front of me, showing up for themselves, and honoring a life well-lived at home. Thank you for all you do and for the way you still show up until the very end of this beautiful chapter. I see you.