The Picture of Strength

Photography has introduced me to so many amazing people and many of them have become great friends! Photography has also reintroduced me to people and has allowed my village to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Rosalynn is one of those people. I hadn't seen her since we were in middle school until she showed up with Tiva the Diva for a photo shoot last year. She has supported my photography journey ever since and I will forever be thankful for that. But more so, I will forever be in admiration of her strength. Strength is defined as the emotional or mental qualities necessary in dealing with situations or events that are distressing or difficult and I'm sure that doesn't begin to describe what Rosalynn and her family has been through in the last 7 months. But I've heard her say before that anger can either consume your or it can propel you forward and she has definitely used her anger and sadness to propel her forward to share a powerful message to young people that Tomorrow Gets Better through the foundation she started in her son Traeh's honor. She encourages young people that if you "see something, do something."

I will forever be grateful for the morning I was able to spend with Traeh last year capturing his handsome face, gorgeous curls and fun-loving spirit. We had so much fun! And I am so glad that I was able to capture this picture of strength of Roz that I will forever be a reminder to me that even on what may feel like the worse day ever, tomorrow gets better and I will share that message with everyone I can. I hope you will to!

If you haven't already, please visit the Traeh Thyssen Have a hearT Foundation on Instagram to stay up to date on all that they're doing to assist families who have lost a child related to bullying and/or suicide and to enhance awareness by providing education, training and emotional and financial support to families and communities.