Ruminating on the Meaning of Community
Reconnections & Celebrating Life.
A couple of weeks ago I was chatting on the phone with my mentor Julie. She said that she had a surprise visitor on her doorstep. It turns out it was a student she taught childbirth education to forty years ago. Julie remembered that this student became a mother when she was only a teenager.
She invited her inside and they spent an hour together catching up. Her student said that her children were grown adults now with their own families. Her focus was taking care of her mother, who decided that in the spirit of turning ninety five years old, was going to go skydiving. The miraculous thing was not only did the doctor clear her to go skydiving, but also asked if she could join her.
For someone like me who doesn’t necessarily feel at home on the internet, I really do love bringing people together. Community is not something found “out there”. Community can start anywhere… In the park, in line at the supermarket, at the doctors office (apparently), or at a childbirth education class you took forty years ago.
You entrusted me to support you through the luminescent moment of giving birth. I will not soon forget the courage and the beauty you have shown me. My hope is that this community we are co-creating together continues to be a place where we can celebrate each other.
Here are some of the photographs I managed to capture from our recent annual family picnic. It was overwhelming to see the kids growing up, and all of your stories converging in one place.
If you were not able to attend the picnic I look forward to seeing you at the next one… Or perhaps in forty years ;)
*OFFERINGS*
I also offer heirloom portrait sessions sporadically with my partner Matt (he’s the real photographer). Reach out for rates and availability hello@keelysemler.com