Farewell to 2 Amazing Friends...

Whether it's expected or if it comes suddenly as it did with the loss of 2 dear friends this month, it's never easy to say good bye regardless of the circumstances.  What these two dear friends had in common was the love and admiration of so many family and friends that surrounded them and their selfless love and compassion for all whom they knew.

John "Bub" Harris

Nov 15, 1926 - Dec 2, 2010

 After the memorial service attended by about 500, friends and family met together at the Julia Leffreing House, in Rancho SD

John Harris was a dear friend, husband, father, and grandfather.  I so feel for their families, especially our dear Valerie who was his best friend and wife for almost 60 years. Together they had 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  John's memorial service was on December 18, just one day after what would have been their 60th Wedding Anniversary.  John always brought a smile to your face and heart.  He was known for his humor and sincere friendship to all whom he knew. He always told the best stories and experiences, and for that he will be dearly missed.  Earlier this year, I had recorded John playing and laughing with his great granddaughter Piper when they came to visit.  Here is a few pictures I took with the audio I recorded.

Alicia Aguirre

March 28, 1939 to December 15, 2010

Alicia was another special friend who was so dearly loved by all of her family and friends.  Alicia was married to her best friend and husband for 54 years.  Together they had 9 children, 20 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  I had the honor of taking their last family photo on December 4, 2010.  It was a very special moment for me to be able to capture that moment for the entire family to cherish for many years to come.  My heart also goes out to her husband and family as they mourn the loss of their best friend, wife, mother and grandmother. Over 400 family and friends came together on the evening of December 21, at Calipatria, CA, a small town in Imperial Valley, with just 1 stop light. It was so amazing to see so many come to celebrate her life and to show support to her family.  Alicia was known for her compassion and love for all whom she met,  and especially for her famous hand made tortillas.  She will be remembered for her strength and courage in the midst of health challenges that she faced with dignity. 

Thank you for stopping by and remembering these dear friends. They will be truly missed.

Reflecting on Beautiful Lives at the end of a Sad Week...

What happened this week didn't come unexpectedly.  Although I didn't think it would happen all in the same week.  When it rains, it pours, but after a big rainstorm the Sun and warmth eventually do come out.  I try to keep a positive outlook regardless of what happens in life.  So patience comes into play!

February 14th, my father-in-law Jim Martin passed away after a difficult 7 months following spinal surgery last June.  He was diagnosed with Alzheimers shortly after and never fully recovered from surgery and towards the end passed away from renal failure.  He will be remembered as a sweet sweet soul who was the epitome of kindness and would give anyone, even a stranger the "shirt off his back" if they needed it! Whenever I would call on the phone he would say "there's my favorite daughter in law!"  I was his only daughter in law, but that made it all the sweeter! I'm going to miss hearing those words from him... He will be truly missed by his family and many friends..

February 19th I attended the funeral for a dear man Charles "Chuck" Finch.  He was Marvin Finch's (Founder of RCP Block and Brick) brother and was also RCP's very first employee in 1947.  He lost his 3 year battle with Cancer on February 10 and was coincidentally laid to rest at Glenn Abbey Memorial Park on the same day 12 years after his brother Marvin passed away.  I had the honor of taking their family photos a few months back, it's something I will cherish forever...  Hundreds of Chuck Finch's family and friends were there that day to pay their respects to Rachel his wife,  Karen and Steve, his two children, and many many extended family members.  He was known for his kindness and compassion, not just from his family but by all who knew him.  Chuck Finch will truly be missed by so many...

That evening, I received a call from my mother.  She has been caring for my father's beloved dog LUCY since he passed away July 9, 2000.  She had not been doing well recently and was suffering.  My mother was unable to walk because her feet were so swollen due to Gout, so my sister Wanda and I took her to the vet and were there together with Lucy in my arms as she took her last yawn and went to sleep.  It was a very sad milestone because she was the last bit of our memories with our beloved father Stan.  She was a source of great joy and comfort for him while he was alive and dealing with his own battle with cancer.  She was always there by his side and was his little bit of sunshine constantly. They both had 7 years together and the special bond they shared will be something we will remember and treasure forever..

IN LOVING MEMORY....

James Martin

Charles Finch

Lucy and Dad

CARPE DIEM ~ Seize the Day!

This week has been a wild one weather wise! Tons of rain, wind, hail, and high surf!!  When I hear on the news that there are Super High Surf advisories, I perk up and think "Carpe Diem"!  Mike was home from work because of the rain, so I said "Let's go to La Jolla!!!"  The waves weren't as high as the last time I went during High Surf, but it was still a really great adventure for the day!  Here are a few of my favorite pics of the day.....

Getting Ready for takeoff.....

The Pelican was trying to blend in.....  :D

Krystal & Brian

Ok, bare with me as I am totally new to this whole blogging business. Looked like fun! ...so here I go! You might be wondering about the pictures at the top of my blog. I have been photographing weddings for years, but this one is near and dear to my heart. Krystal is my niece and is also the first one in the next generation to marry in my family. So, Yes! It was a really big deal for my whole family! It gives me a whole new perspective of what it's like to be on the "inside" of the wedding for sure! I'll give more details later, but to give you an idea of the video below, Steven Javitz was the videographer for the wedding and earlier interviewed Krystal and Brian for a video presentation he played at the wedding reception. It's a real tear jerker, so make sure you grab a tissue or two...this is the story about Krystal's engagement ring... One more tidbit! The picture of Brian and Krystal holding hands in the video was THE first time they held hands! SO Sweet!!!