A meaningful moment from my day...

Last Monday evening the Cosmos (Dreama's soccer team) had their season-end party at the coach's pizza parlor. I had printed and framed each player an action shot of themselves from the season and Dreama was thrilled to pass them out. It was then that I noticed one player was missing, Jeffrey...my favorite photo of the season ;) Soon after, Carolyn, Jeffrey's mom, called Coach and emotionally said that their family had just been in a car accident, they would not be able to make it to the party and that everyone was okay. Relieved that everyone was fine, we carried on with our pizza, cookies and passing out of the medals.

It was Wednesday afternoon when I read the e-mail from Coach Renee stating that Carolyn Haber had suddenly passed away Tuesday morning due to an unknown reason. Tears fell from my eyes like never before. Did I know Carolyn beyond the field? No. But a photo I had taken during the season said so much about who she was - that I felt like I really knew her.  Immediately I wrote a note of sympathy and included the photo in an e-mail to the team.

Today was the funeral. Carolyn's husband stood tall and strong beside his three young sons, now without their mother. I can't even begin to imagine how their lives have changed and the loss they must feel. All I could offer was a hug to all four of them. Coach Renee showed up shortly after with the photo I had taken in a beautiful frame. She handed it to George and as tears poured from his eyes, he said, "That is Carolyn. Thank you." I just observed the moment...I wasn't in it, but just knowing that I froze that moment in time for his family...meant the world. I love my job. I freeze moments...and it's the simplest that seem to mean the most.

Carolyn and two of her boys on the sidelines during one of our games..........
You will be missed.