Up Close and Personal. Remembering Loved Ones at Christmas.

Merry Christmas Eve! The holidays are all about family and memories. Today, as I have some of my family around me, I think of those who are no longer here.

Earlier in the week, I was thinking of photos for different challenges. When I saw Nancy Merrill’s Up Close and Personal Challenge on portraits, I immediately thought of a few photos. The ones that stood out though were the two below. This is my nephew Michael. He passed away a few years ago and the photos I shot below are some of the last photos I took of him.

That day, my sister and I were just hanging out in the back yard. My daughter and her son were also there. We were just talking and laughing. We took turns playing on the tire swing. Michael was spinning the tire around and his dog was chasing it. It was hilarious! I started taking a few pictures of them all. The light was nice. The mood was fun. And, it was just a perfect moment that I will never forget.

The pictures of him from that day have become important portraits in his memory. I am honored that I gave my family a piece of history to help remember him by. I only wish I would have taken more.

So on this Christmas, hug your friends and family and tell them that you love them. They may not always be around.

Merry Christmas Michael. We love and miss you.

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For Nancy Merrill’s Photo a Week Challenge.