07.27.11 | personal
The following post contains but a few of the images that I took last weekend documenting the coming together of a community to celebrate the life of our dear friends' daughter, McKenna Claire Wetzel, who was taken from this world far too soon by a brain tumor. She fought so hard but in the end succumbed to her failing body. Her mom said, as she spoke to those gathered before the "paddle out" celebrating McKenna's life, that Mckenna, more than anything, was "frustrated" by her body. Still, her family said, "We will continue to be inspired every day by the strength, grace and beauty our daughter brought to our lives and those around her."
A few words...
Sometimes no words suffice. Only hugs and knowing, tearful glances will do. Sometimes in the midst of the most terrible events beauty is created through those said hugs and glances, through coming together, friendship, family, community and real human connections. Remembering someone after their passing, especially a little girl, can be almost unimaginably painful... witnessing your friends (especially her family) in pain- even more so, putting yourself in their shoes... utterly impossible. The strength of McKenna's parents and sister are so inspiring to me. I'm proud to call them my friends... and my heart aches for them.
These are but a few of the images from the morning. Perhaps I'll share a slideshow later. Until then. Please hug those close to you and love them as hard as you can.
Lastly, the family is establishing a memorial fund in McKennas name that will be used to support charitable causes such as brain tumor research and other causes near and dear to McKennas heart. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, checks can be made out to the McKenna Claire Foundation. Please contact me at info at nataliemoserphotography.com for mailing address details.
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