{2020 is a wrap!}

2020 may go down as one of the worst years in most of our lives. I remember when the news started reporting COVID from around the world and thinking, “wow, that is crazy.” I remember seeing people in Italy locked down and unable to leave their homes, even if their loved ones had died. I remember thinking, “that wouldn’t happen here.” I remember Friday, March 13th. I had taken the day off from work (I am a high school teacher), and my daughter had an appointment in Durham. I took her to the appointment and then passed her off to my in laws who live in nearby Hillsborough so I could go to Duke Hospital and do a Fresh 48 session. I remember discussing COVID with the mom and, with her being a nurse, at the time she felt like it was safe enough to do it. I didn’t know that would be my last Fresh 48 for the whole year. The next Monday, everything shut down. My son’s school had a reported infection with a teacher, in his grade. That was enough for the school system to take an early Spring Break. Our school hasn’t returned since. We had great plans to travel this summer. All of my kids had COVID-friendly birthdays. We didn’t do our usual holiday get togethers. And, my business was halted from March until June. But, lucky enough for us, we didn’t lose our jobs and we haven’t had to say goodbye to loved ones who caught the virus. Although 2020 royally sucked in a lot of ways, there is still a lot to be thankful for. We enter 2021 cautiously optimistic that the introduction of a vaccine will help to combat our spiking numbers. Yet, we are realistic in knowing that there is still a long way to go before we are back to “normal.” I am, however, so grateful for the many families that trusted me to take their photos this year. I did so behind a mask, which was weird, but I knew it was the smart thing to do. I had so many new families come to me this fall for their annual pictures, most who found me through word of mouth. My repeat clients - what can I say? I love y’all. I know I always say that I love catching up and seeing your kids get bigger, but I mean it. I really do. So, here is to 2020 and all the beautiful families that I got to spend time with.