Ralphie Rough Road

It was with great sadness I write this blog post.  I was unsure of writing this post in the first place.  Part of me felt I shouldn’t but then I decided I must.  On February 8, 2016, Cynthia Fortney passed away at the age of 74.  Her granddaughter notified me of her passing.  Immediately, my heart went out to her entire family & her beloved husband.

You see I did not know Cynthia very well, as I only spent an afternoon with her and her family.  Yet, I felt as though she was like family.  I had the pleasure of photographing Cynthia and her husband Jim along with their family.  Their granddaughter Sarah hired me to take photos as a 50th wedding anniversary present.   I can still remember Sarah approaching me about the possibility of doing photography.  Of course, I loved the idea, and in my opinion, it was a priceless gift with much love and thought.

The date was set for September 7, 2013.  The couple would celebrate their anniversary that December. It’s not every day, you have the opportunity to photograph a couple with that many years together.  Everyone had a great time, laughing, posing, and simply being themselves.

Many things stand out from that day, but one thing, in particular, stands out to me.  Cynthia invited Shane (my life partner & helper) & I to their 50th-anniversary party.  That simple invite meant so much to me.

After they received their photos and the photo book I put together for them, Cynthia sent me a personal thank you card.  I still have the card today.

After only spending one afternoon with Cynthia, I can tell you she was a very kind-hearted woman.  She loved her family and her husband very deeply.  She was a down to earth person who had an impact on me.  Although I was saddened to hear of her passing, I am so very grateful I had the opportunity to meet and know this woman, if only briefly.

This is why I love what I do.  Capturing precious memories in the form of photographs.  Meeting wonderful people who become like family to me.  Some of those people leave a lasting impression on me as Cynthia Fortney most certainly did.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

 In loving memory of Cynthia Fortney.

June 12, 1941 – February 8, 2016