Because Moments Become Memories™
The Letters She Never Wrote
While my sister, Kristina, was in hospice, I was by her side for two weeks taking turns with her husband to give her meds throughout the long days and nights. One afternoon, while she and I were alone, she woke up and distinctly said, "Zoe, go get the letters!" It was as if she knew this would be one of the last things she'd ask of me.
My excitement mounted as I jetted across the house to the exact location she said I'd find them. They had recently moved into this new house and she hadn't had the chance to unpack everything. She had asked our sister, Cecilia, to create custom artwork for the stationary that she'd write letters to her only child to receive after she'd passed.
When I sat beside her bed and opened up envelope after envelope my heart broke; she hadn't written a single one.
Her medications made her groggy and her body was getting weak. At that point, she wasn't able to hold a cup. There was no way she could write letters. Instead, I told her that I would record her saying what she wanted to say and that I would worry about getting pen to paper later.
I took out my phone and we recorded two videos before she fell asleep. When Kristina woke up to record the third one, she was unable to make sense of her thoughts; I could barely understand what she was saying.
She didn't wake up to record again.
On Christmas Eve morning 2023, my once vivacious sister took her last breath with my head beside hers.
We had strict instructions for her Celebration of Life - "Wear pink!"
After the Celebration, I went to my niece's room and told her, "I've got something for you." I gave her the letters and explained that I didn't want to write them in her Mama's place. Instead, I recorded her saying what she wanted to say.
As we started to watch the videos, their dog heard Kristina's voice and sharply turned to see where Kristina was. We cried even harder.
Through my loss, I found my purpose - to create a legacy for others so they don't regret leaving something undone. We're not promised tomorrow. Now is the time to schedule your Legacy Session.
What's at Stake?
Don’t Let Your Family’s Story Be Forgotten—Capture Them for Generations to Come.
Legacy Portrait and Video Services became my purpose through a deeply personal story. One of my little sisters, Kristina, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 35.
While we were given an additional five years together, the experience left me with the profound regret of not capturing intentional photos and videos with her.
To honor Kristina, I want to encourage others to take the opportunity to record memories intentionally with the ones who matter most to them.
Through Legacy Sessions, I understand the intense desire to hold onto the spirit of those we love.
Professional portraits and videos are more than images -
they are how we can relive those irreplaceable memories.
Life is fleeting, and often, capturing cherished moments are missed. We get busy, we take for granted the time we have, and then it's too late. Don't let these precious moments become a painful regret like I did.
We are here to guide you on this journey of creating a legacy. Legacy Portrait and Videography Services are custom-designed to feature the love, the joy, the very spirit of the people who matter most.
- Legacy Portraits: We'll create timeless portraits that showcase your family's unique personalities and connections.
- Legacy Videos: Preserve the irreplaceable gift of your loved one's voice, laughter, and special moments forever.
- Heirloom Photography & Document Restoration: Preserve old photos and bring history to the present with our expert restoration and storytelling.
Don't Wait to Create Your Legacy
We only have so much time on this earth. We have to reverence it while we can. Give the gift of your legacy today.
When we received the hospice diagnosis, the four of us sisters came together. Kristina didn't know it, but I'd asked a photographer to come to the house and take one last professional portrait of us together. When our youngest sister, Stephanie, saw Kristina so frail, oxygen tubes in place, her hair had fallen out, sitting up to sleep, she nearly broke down. This was not how Kristina would have wanted to be remembered and it's not how we wanted to remember her.
Kristina was a beautiful soul. She wanted to live to be one hundred years old. She wanted to make an impact for good on this world. She was a teacher. She was a wife. She was a mama. She was a sister. She was a daughter. She was a friend. She was my hero.
I cancelled the photographer. We'll never have a portrait of the four of us together as adults.