Last year around this time, I received a call from a past bride and groom about doing a family portrait session.  I was SO excited to hear from them.  I love catching up with my couples.  I learned that the groom, Clinton, had landed a job in London.  Being young and adventurous, they accepted the job and moved.  In addition, they had just been blessed with twins; one boy and one girl.  The twins were about 8 months old.

Anyway, Sara and Clinton were coming home for Thanksgiving and wanted to do a family portrait.  I was super excited.  When they arrived at the park, they were dressed perfectly.  I could tell that Sara had put a lot of time into planning their clothing.  We had a great session and a lot of fun getting to know each other again.  They were just as happy and in love as when they married about 10 years ago.

We were on a tight schedule since they were flying back home in a couple of days, so Sara and I met the following day to view the images and place her order.  Clinton stayed home with the kids. (super dad) Sara still had that twinkle in her eye when she talked about Clinton.  She told me she still thought he was “so handsome”.

Just 4 days later, i got a call from Sara’s best friend.  Clinton was in an accident and he was fighting for his life.  I just sat there, speechless.

I don’t know how Sara made it through the next month.  Clinton was incredibly blessed to have such a graceful, strong, loving and beautiful wife.  Clinton was not able to recover from his injuries.  He passed away.

I’m sharing this story for a number of reasons.  One is that this family has not left my thoughts and prayers all year.  Sara and Clinton’s life together was a beautiful love story.  They lived their lives together to the fullest.

Another reason is to remind myself (and you) that everyday matters.  Even if you are just sitting around watching TV, enjoy your family.  Make every second count.

In loving memory of Clinton Beer.