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Everything stays
Let's go in the garden
You'll find something waiting
Right there where you left it lying upside down
When you finally find it, you'll see how it's faded
The underside is lighter when you turn it around
Everything stays right where you left it
Everything stays
But it still changes
Ever so slightly, daily and nightly
In little ways, when everything stays
-Olivia Olson-
I have a lot of feelings with this post. I’ve known Rachel for… officially half of our lives now (if not exactly half, pretty close). I met her through my best friend growing up (as I was the odd one out that moved and went to the opposite school in town). I always thought she was the coolest - creative, funny, talented, and so darn pretty. Definitely the smart, level-headed one in the group, and I certainly looked up to her (still do). I spent many nights at her parents’ place, staying up late playing video games, watching movies, taking selfies before they were selfies…
One particular memory I had tucked away came flying back when our kids got on the trampoline (and I followed suit). My mama-heart was pounding, because let’s face it, I am an anxious wreck. I took a deep breath and tried to place myself in our kids’ shoes and remember how much fun the trampoline was (not how much you can get hurt).
I had a flashback to a warm summer evening when I spent the night at Rachel’s - probably the first time I had been there by myself - and we were out laying on the trampoline, talking about whatever it is that teenage girls talk about… It’s definitely one of my fonder memories with my friend. I have many like that, but it was neat to see our babies play together like that.
As the years have gone by, I’m sure you can imagine how friendships work - they ebb and flow, people fight and make up, laugh and cry - you go through growing pains. Some fade away to never return, but others come back and are a bright spot on a dark day. When everything changes, somehow, everything stays the same.
I became a mom first as life would have it, and what a journey it’s been. When I found out Rachel was having her first baby, I was overjoyed and so excited to have another pal along for the ride (and I knew in my heart of hearts she was going to be a great mother). Then when I found out she was going to have another baby (a sweet girl), oh my goodness! I am still tickled pink. Both of them are precious little peanuts.
This year has been hard on all of us, and for a minute I wasn’t sure if these images were going to happen (the fires pushed everything back, nevermind the pandemic). But I am so thrilled we were able to make it happen. I am extremely sentimental (almost to a fault) - I am so honored to have had the opportunity to photograph my friend and her family (now for a third time!).
I hope these warm your heart, like they do mine.
-K.