I don't question if I made a difference in someone's life. I am to busy to ponder such a specific question. I do often think about who has made a difference in mine. More specifically, I ponder the meaning of life and how these people come into my family’s life and change it for the better. The first person I would like to introduce is Renee Hall of Renee Hall's Photography.
My son’s interest in photography is not to be confused with the all consuming passion for fishing that stems from his diagnosis of Autism. Photography is something that Sam and I do together and I try my best to make it a social activity. Every single worker that Sam has, knows of my drive to find opportunities for Sam with his photography.
Sam's and my life changed with one email. It read, "Deb, I found this on my desk." I open up the file to see "ARTISTIC A Community Event to Celebrate the Abilities of Children with Disabilities." Further reading explained that the event was an "Art Creating Day" at Never Say Never Stables in Webster. The caption read, "Arty people will help you create and therapeutic horses will make you smile!"
I called the number on the flyer and talked with the coordinator, Kate Clemont, and had a fabulous conversation on how the kids will decorate a small canvas to be hung in an art show. The artwork would then be auctioned off for Autism Speaks. I asked Kate if Sam could decorate the canvas and put some pictures on it and her warm inviting British voice exclaimed, "Sure! That would be lovely!” She also told me about how a talented photographer would be there to document the event.
I found the canvas, bought the small mats and asked Sam if he wanted to participate. After an enthusiastic "Yes" from Sam we were in business.
The day arrived and it was a blast. There were animals everywhere. People were in such a fantastic mood. There were kids everywhere that had paint up to their elbows that matched their painted faces from the face painting booth. It was incredible. I have never experienced anything like it.
I tried to find the photographer that day and so many things were happening I wasn't able to think straight from the giddiness of having fun.
These are Renee's photos that I found after the fact.
This is Sam Painting his mats for his pictures.
This is my favorite because Sam is interacting with his "art" buddy and Renee.
Sam and I took the canvas home and we glued the pictures onto the canvas. Sam had taken photos after all the rain from last spring and he had some great ones. I drove back out to Webster to hand in the photo collage to Kate. Her enthusiasm was inspiring. Sam was all set for his first art show and I was a happy that people were going to see Sam's ability to take great photos.
This is Sam's finished project. He titled it "Waterworks".
The big day arrived and Sam and I met Emily, his respite worker. I felt that all the people there would be a little bit too much and I had Emily meet us to keep him busy. There were snacks and more face painting. Cards with Renee's photos on them were being sold. They were phenomenal, absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't take my eyes off of them. Kate introduced me to Renee and I instantly asked her if she did senior photos and she said yes. I had been wondering how I was going to afford Senior Photos for Mina and here was a woman that could take them with a reasonable price. This story just kept getting better and better for me.
This is Emily and Sam.
In the following weeks Renee and I planned for the senior shoot. Mina, my daughter, decided that she wanted to go to Renee's favorite place to shoot photos. Renee chose Tinker Park. After we arrived I left Mina alone and Sam and I went around to take pictures.
This is one of my favorites.
Sam and I came back to join Renee and Mina. I asked Renee if Sam could join her in taking pictures of Mina. Enthusiastically, she said yes. In my eyes, a great photographer is a person that gets down and dirty. I was watching Renee on the ground with leaves in her hair not being afraid to get goose poop on her. Sam was more than happy to join her. I was in the background being Sam's cheering section apologizing to Renee for being so loud. She was a trooper.
My favorite photo of Sam's.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I am thankful for meeting Renee. I am always looking for spots to take Sam and her willingness to share her special spots amazes me.
I would like to show you one last photo of Renee's.
Isn't that Awesome!
*The background picture was taken by Sam while he was looking for Salmon in the falls.
