An angel on earth earned her heavenly wings yesterday after the most courageous four and a half year battle with cancer. I could go on and on about this amazing child and all she’s brought to my life (including the man that I hope will one day be my husband) during the last 5 years, but I will keep this short.
I started as her mom’s friend, but Mary quickly corrected her mom and said, “She’s MY friend Sarah.” It has been an honor to share in so many memories with her family over these years and to capture the true spirit of Mary for them to hold close forever. She has touched so many lives in her short 8 years, but in our hearts she will always live. As one friend said, “I am a better person for having known Mary.” And I can’t agree more. She was filled with an abundance of spunk and love and truly made my world (and many others) a better place.
I‘ll leave you with one of many of my favorite Mary stories… When she was 4 or so, she always liked to ask me about kids and did I have any. She’d find so many ways to ask the same question. My favorite was, “Do you have any kids?” I replied, “Nope, not yet, but I hope to someday.” Her sweet response that required no thought at all, “Well you have a Mary and a Katie!” And she couldn’t have been more right. I will forever have a Mary and a Katie.
Miss you already sweet girl… view my photo tribute here.
Sarah, Thank you for sharing your words and pictures. I think I met you in September, on the bus back to the parking lot from the Jimmy Fund Walk. I’m “Nurse Nora.” I bet the compilation of stories about Mary would make a very big book….
Sarah, Words cannot express how thankful I am that you shared these beautiful pictures of Mary and Katie. It just simply moved me to tears. You captured the beauty and essence of who Mary was and that’s exactly how I want to remember her–the big playful smile and expressions. Katie and her parents will treasure those images forever. I am Mary’s second grade teacher but more importantly–Mary has been a friend and classmate of my daughter Lilly since kindergarten. We sat and watched this video together. Thank you for giving us that special moment. Mary was one of a kind–brave, kind, goofy,
spunky,strong,independent, intelligent, and passionate about the things and people she loved. Mary’s family is amazing and an inspiration–thank you so much for sharing your stories and photos!
Sarah – This is Judy Humphrey, Lauren’s mom. I just can’t put into words how beautiful I think this tribute to little Mary is. I didn’t know her, but she reminds me so much of Meghan Duffy. There is no understanding why any precious little girl has to leave this life so soon. I am so touched by the beautiful pictures you took of her – I am sure her family will treasure these forever. My condolences go out to you and also to her family. Please let them know that people who didn’t even know her are touched by her beauty and courage. I truly hope that for her and Meghan there is a happy place that they are both existing and that their families will see them again.
Judy Humphrey
Oh Sarah… I am so glad that our paths crossed the way they did and that you were a part of us getting to know the Eisnors. Maybe we would have become fast friends anyway, with everything we had in common, but knowing that Mary was a friend of yours made it a no-brainer.
I know that I will be forever glad that you were able to document Mary’s life in your beautiful photos. When I look at your pictures, I see the light in her eyes that made her so… Mary. And you capture Mary and Katie’s relationship so beautifully.
Thank you for giving us these little glimpses of Mary that will last forever.
Sarah, thank you for using your God given talents to capture and share the beautiful spirit of Mary. Her smile, so precious, seen through your camera lens and now part of this lovely tribute to be forever treasured. Thanks…
Sarah, I just watched the tribute again. I hadn’t heard the music the first time, what a beautiful song! Would you please tell me who is singing it? Thank you again.
She is SO beautiful. The joy that is in her eyes in so many photos is breathtaking. I cried during this. Such a beautiful, magical girl to have left so young. My thought are with her family.
AMAZING.
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[…] today, I proudly present my new logo, in honor of the bravest girl I’ve ever known, Mary. Its hard to believe six months ago today she earned her angel wings. Not ONE day goes by that I […]