Random Act of Kindness……

This post is so exciting, wonderful, and special all at once.  It’s personal and comes from the heart.  It’s also a long story I am not sure I can articulate well, but will try!  It is….filled with Love, Kindness, and Generosity.

So, over a year and a half ago, we gained an angel named Drake.  He was so special, loved by all that knew him, and not only talked the talk… but he strutted that walk too!   To break it down simply: Drake LOVED his family, he Loved friends, he LOVED God, he loved people, Loved anything on a board (especially snowboarding)  and he loved Young Life.   Drake loved unconditionally, generously, and with passion.  I could go on and on about the things Drake taught me, taught us, and taught most everyone he meant.  Drake’s death had great impact and on many.   But what we knew… is that we are so blessed and honored to call Drake our friend and that had to overpower the sadness of loosing Drake, especially at a young age.   Personally, what I knew, was Drake was having a party in heaven, celebrating all that is good and all that is LOVE.  That’s what I needed to remember, to help me through the sadness of such a loss.

Matthew 5:16.   “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Drake’s favorite bible verse.  That’s the yellow band I wear daily,  my daughter Kylie created in Drake’s honor.  A great reminder to do good work … Love & Kindness.

Drake was a creative.  He always up to something that was filled with fun, laughter and was produced with his heart!   My gift is that of creating, through photography.  This is a way I can honor Drake and all he stands for.  So, last year I developed a portrait scholarship in his name:  Drake Edwards Portrait Memorial Scholarship!

Class of 2014, Drew Mentor, was awarded the first portrait award.  He was chosen by a panel, to be honored with a portrait scholarship.  We had an amazing time photographing and showing Drew’s large personality through his senior images.  It was truly wonderful to work with such a quality guy as Drew!  He’s currently at Oregon State University and  am sure he’s having a blast!  (and of course studying hard)

As time went on, I had decided I could not continue the scholarship due to business and life challenges.  This was such a hard, sad, and difficult decision to process on both a personal and business level.

As soon as I had made this decision and told ‘my people’  …  I had a client give me a GIFT.  This has only happened ONCE in my career and the timing was incredible.    After much thought… I decided this was a random act of kindness coming MY way, an act of generosity, that I could accept.  But to accept it, I also wanted to pass it on, and that’s the way I felt comfortable accepting it.

Fast forward to today:   PTP has awarded the Second DAE Portrait Memorial Scholarship!   Matthew Koczian was nominated and awarded this wonderful gift a few months ago, and today was his session!   Thank you to the people who have helped make this happen, you know who you are!

I had never meant Matthew until our consultation a while back.    His character, his passion, and his heart are that of  someone so genuine and true.  What an honor to get to know him, to capture ‘him’ and create something special for his mama Priscilla!  (Priscilla is another person I had only meant a few times over the years and how great it is to know this sweet woman!)  I can say whole heartly say, he is so deserving of this honor.

So, after talking about Matthew’s interests, hobbies, and passions, we decided we’d ask our friend Betty to photograph at her lovely home.  We just knew it could capture all the fun of Matthew’s interests with Ultimate Frisbee, beautiful landscape, and a fabulous kitchen!  Matthew wants to pursue culinary school in a year or two and I can’t wait to eat at his French inspired eatery someday!  YEP, we captured it all!

And, Thank you Betty for opening your wonderful haven to us.

My goals in business and in life have always been to help support my family, keep the business thriving, take care of our needs and dreams, but to also give back to my community that has supported my business over the years.   To be able to give a wonderful young person a gift, someone doing GOOD WORK is what work is about, it’s all so rewarding.   Congratulations Matthew!  Here’s a few of my favorite images for you to enjoy!!!

[wb_fb_f name=”Drake Edwards” id=””] [wb_fb_f name=”Matthew Koczian” id=””]  [wb_fb_f name=”Priscilla Koczian” id=””] 

(PS…check back to the blog in the next week, we are opening up the books for our SECOND ANNUAL Portrait FOOD RAISER which will be held on November First to benefit our local food bank!)

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