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Content Warning: cancer, loss of spouse
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Forever is never far from any of us but for Neena and Jim, it is close enough to see. Jim has been bravely fighting cancer for a year and a half and when it became apparent that he only had a few months remaining, he and Neena decided to pledge their love outdoors in the southern Humboldt redwoods with only a few close friends.
Our cold February weather may have moved the ceremony indoors but... in the true spirit of our community, the resort gave up their guest registration area so that Neena and Jim could still pledge their love under the redwoods. Within a small and common space, this couple and their friends created moments that were enormous and extraordinary.
They have graciously allowed me to share their story with you, including Neena's vow poem below. Through my photographs and her words, I hope you will see that there is joy in the grief, strength in the weakness, light in the dark, and dignity in the acceptance.
Death is not the end of love.
there needs to be another word for this,
this particular type of love meant for dreams
because it is so much more than the promises we whisper in the dead of night
or the weary embraces at dawn
what I did not know dear one
is that this love we lived in here on Earth
was really the small part
just a tiny piece that fell from the heavens
that up above
we are the universe and all of time
and from there
our love can bring back the bees
and the butterflies
orchestrate a dance
between the moon and the sun
and breathe love into every living thing.
~Neena
8 Comments
May 20, 2019, 2:21:37 PM
Carrie Mayfield - You are most welcome Natalie. It was an honor and a privilege to have spent that afternoon with them and in the presence of their love.
May 19, 2019, 10:35:42 PM
Natalie - Thank you for your part in helping my cousin express the profound love she found with a man she calls her "great love." These images, like their love, are priceless.
May 18, 2019, 1:06:08 PM
Carrie Mayfield - I'm glad their story has reached you and touched your heart Adie. I am honored to have been a witness to their love and to be able to share their story with others through my photographs.
May 18, 2019, 12:26:13 PM
Adie - I am sitting here absolutely sobbing having read through and seen all the images. Life is too short. This is a priceless gift. My heart goes out to this incredible family. I wish them all the love and comfort the world can offer at this time.
Mar 15, 2019, 11:16:06 AM
Carrie Mayfield - Thank you sweet Aly. I am still in awe of these two and their story, it is an experience I will never forget.
Mar 14, 2019, 11:48:47 PM
Aly - This is so absolutely touching and beautiful. You captured their love perfectly Carrie. Much love and prayers to them and you as well.
Mar 14, 2019, 7:10:51 PM
Carrie Mayfield - Thank you Becky, I'm glad you were able to read the text.
Come back when you are able to use different internet and see the photographs, they are so special <3
Mar 14, 2019, 2:55:33 PM
Becky - Beautiful, very well said. My internet does not let me see photos