Azaleas, swings, hugs, and kisses
I spent a Saturday morning with this sweet family in and around their home in Atlanta. There was a genuine affection and natural tenderness present in all of their interactions, from caregiving to play. I had so much fun documenting them as they finished breakfast, played around in the backyard, and explored a nearby park. Outside, the azaleas were in their full glory, and almost an hour passed unnoticeably in and around their blossoms. The kids smelled the flowers and picked them for their mama, and I was melting in the sweetness of it all. Azaleas symbolize love, passion, and fragility. They are flowers that are meant to be a reminder to take care of oneself; an appropriate blossom for this time in this family's story. This season marks the beginning of a challenging year for the family as Monica was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I like to think of the azaleas blooming again next year as bookends to this unpleasant time, marking the beginning and end of a year of treatments, financial stress, and physical changes. The year ahead will be hard, but Monica is as badass as she is gorgeous, and I get the feeling that she's going to be even more radiant after this battle. I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity to document this family because the love that is present in the tough times is just as beautiful to remember as it is in the good times.
You can read more about Monica's story here.
