“Blink of an eye.”
“They grow so fast.”
“Take lots of pictures so you never forget.”
“Hold on. It’s a great ride.”
I have heard them all. From the day my son was born until and including today, when he graduates from high school in front of very proud parents and a loving family that sings his praises higher than should be allowed.
My advice to my sister, who has a child younger than mine, has been individual in its focus: “It all changes so fast.”
Last year, a full two or three days before portraits were due at school, I leaned upon a professional to capture for me a young man who would be leaving our protective hold sooner than I cared to accept. Both photographer and subject knew what they wanted and never butted heads. They let me have opinions – one of which left my friend, the photographer, with chigger bites that lasted for days – and a set of photos that I will treasure forever.
So, to my sister, I need to change my tune, or at least add to my mantra about change: ” Hold on tightly, and hire a professional.”
p.s. My greatest and forever thanks to Robbie Schraeder for being a photographer that captures the essence of a person, not just their image. It is a gift that cannot be undervalued.
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love you, Sloane! Fantastic photos. You and Harl and your amazing village have raised a fine young man. Congratulations, Dakota. Now, please, go fix the world – I know you can do it!! Have fun and take in every moment. It is true when “they” say these are the best days of your life and “Oh, the places you’ll go…”
my very best to you all,
April
April:
Thanks for sending out such great messages on our big day with Dakota. He is such a fun person to be with and tonight will be no exception!
I wish you a great summer and I can never thank you enough for reading our blogs and commenting. Your words are always delightful.
xoxo
– sloane
Gee whiz Sloane. I feel like I’m saying goodbye to my son from another mother. I’ve watched your son grow through the years via your blog. All the great volunteer work he’s done- the fun family pics you & Casey post, HOMECOMING KING!. He’s like a son to me too! I’m not sure I’ve ever actually met him. I think his name might start with a H? But wait maybe I’m thinking of your husband? Is it both??? I know your son is going to do amazing things in his life & I can’t wait for the next chapter. Congratulations to all of you! XO!
Anne:
I will certainly introduce you to my son, Dakota, just as soon as I can! How did this happen?
Thank you for reading our blog and for such nice comments. It has been with the love of an amazing village that he has reached 18 and is graduating. He makes us proud, but all kids are like that.
I wish you a happy summer.
– sloane
handsome devil. great pics. great advice, from each & all. wonderful occasion. congrats.
Sloane, I have never met you or your son, but enjoy the blogs so much! Thank you for sharing Dakota’s wonderful pictures – he is a very handsome young man. As one who graduated in the years of bouffant hair styles and black netting worn around my shoulders for my senior picture (that dates me!), I really enjoy seeing the senior pictures of today’s kids. Love Dakota’s red glasses and the chicken, too 🙂
Rosanne (Wichita, KS)
Rosanne:
You are so kind to send a note! Thank you for reading our blog and for commenting!
You make me smile with your note. I graduated in 1983 and no hairnets were involved in the photo making. Actually, so much has changed from what my son is living through now and what I lived through over thirty years ago! What a grand life I live … as does my son.
I can’t thank you enough for reading our outpourings and taking time to send a note. I am deeply touched.
Take care.
– sloane
Sloan, Harl and Dakota!
Many congratulations to you all. I have enjoyed getting to reacquaint myself with your family via FB – not sure we’ve actually seen each other for thirty-some years. I’ve been in the store a few times, but you and Casey weren’t there.
Dakota appears to be a fine human, with an amazing future. I wish him and you all the best of luck.
PS. Sloane, your style of writing is so familiar… Just like your days on the SW “Trail”…
Tim
Tim:
You may just be right! Thirty+ years might be correct.
But I was reminded again, in a speech at my son’s graduation last night, that high school binds us all in a way that cannot be figured out easily. So, you and I – and Harl – speak a language and share an experience that will live within us forever.
Thank you for reading our blogs and for commenting. I am touched that you spent time to send a note.
Have a fantastic summer.
– sloane
Sloane,
Congratulations on your son’s graduation! I know that feeling of being proud and at the same time wondering how you both got here so quickly. Time surely dies fly! See you in the neighborhood. Enjoy yourselves!
Michelle Wimes
Michelle:
You know all to well what it’s like to have a graduate! I am thrilled for both of them, and for us.
Thank you for reading our blog and for commenting. I am touched by your note.
xoxo
– sloane