Have you ever said, "Well, we're all going to die," without really understanding the weight of those words or what it would mean if they became a reality much sooner than expected?
I'm going to begin with a timeline, as I'm still trying to comprehend everything myself.
On December 6, 2022, we received a request from SickKids to photograph a special occasion taking place just four days later. We rarely take on shoots with such short notice, but this was different. Let me explain.
The occasion was a celebration of life, combined with a baptism. A superhero-themed celebration, planned as a complete surprise for the guest of honour. The family gave us the freedom to do what we do best: observe, document and capture the day as it unfolded. They wanted to remember it exactly as it happened.
The night was filled with superheroes. Everyone came dressed for the occasion, cheering on the guest of honour. The family, including their little superhero, embraced the theme wholeheartedly, wearing matching Incredibles-inspired costumes.
The Incredibles
I remember driving there and thinking about the mother. How does someone find the strength to do this? To put on a smile, welcome everyone and celebrate, knowing what was ahead? The family and those attending understood that this little boy was very sick and that their time together was limited.
Can you imagine? My heart drops just thinking about it.
We had been entrusted with documenting an incredibly important day so the family could step away from the responsibility of capturing it themselves and simply be present. To experience it, to celebrate and to be together.
We only hoped we could do it justice.
On December 20, we received the news that he had passed away the day before.
It was a punch to the heart that I'm still trying to understand. My husband shared the news with me as we were coming home from being out. I was a wreck. My eyes didn't seem to know how to turn off the stream of tears.
I always fall a little in love with the people I photograph, but I still have no comprehension of how any of this can be fair or make sense.
When I close my eyes, I still can't quite believe how quickly everything unfolded.
This story is dedicated to a remarkable family who showed us what courage, love and togetherness can look like in the face of something so incredibly difficult.
To the family: thank you for allowing us to be there and for trusting us with a day that will stay with us.
And to everyone at SickKids who helped make this day possible, thank you.
Some days remind us why documenting life matters so much. Not because we know what tomorrow holds, but because we don't. Photographs allow us to hold onto the people, the connections and the moments that matter most, long after the day itself has passed.
