It such a wonderful thing, the cyclical nature of life. No, not the circle of life—even though that’s wonderful, too (both the cycle and the song about it). I mean the way that the people and things spiral around and around our lives, coming in (and sometimes heading out) at the quirkiest of times.

 

That was my session with Brady.

 

I have known Brady’s grandpa for essentially ever. He was a teacher when I was in high school, and even after I graduated and he retired I would still see him time to time at a local sporting goods store. He would come in with the sweetest set of grandbabies.

 

It had been a bit since I saw them all last, but I couldn’t have guessed how long if I had been asked. However, I wouldn’t have guessed that it had been long enough for one of your grandsons to be a senior. In our tromping around the woods during a senior session this year, the talk turned to teaching, to which the mom commented that her parents worked in the local high school…one of whom would frequent a local sporting goods store with his grandson, Brady, who was now a senior. I just couldn’t believe it. That sweet little boy was now this witty, warm, wonderful young man here before my camera as well as when it was out of the picture. So friendly, so respectful, and funny, Brady is one of those young men that you just know are going places (hopefully back to the state tournament in hockey, if he and his team had their way…). His jovial nature—which was greatly emphasized by his bowtie–made posing him a breeze, it’s like he had done this before. I feel completely honored and fortunate to have been able to meet this young man, again.

 

This is Brady, Class of 2017…