When people see a project come together, they often see the finished result. They see the website, the photographs, the event, and the smiles.

What they don’t always see are the people standing quietly behind the scenes making it possible.

As Moments to Memories approaches, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how many people have helped bring this dream to life. While the idea may have started in my heart, it has been carried forward by the kindness, encouragement, and support of so many others.

When I first imagined this event, it wasn’t just about photography. It was about preserving connections, honoring loved ones, and creating something meaningful out of grief. What I didn’t fully realize was how much I would need my own people along the way.

My dear friend Aubrey, a talented professional photographer, has been one of the people helping me turn this idea into reality. She has generously shared her knowledge, answered countless questions, offered guidance when I needed it, and given me the confidence to keep moving forward. Knowing she’ll be available on event day if I run into challenges brings a tremendous sense of comfort. I couldn’t do this without her calm, steady presence – even when her own life is busy. If Moments to Memories continues to grow, there’s a good chance she’ll be helping even more families create lasting memories in the future.

My best friend of more than thirty years, Karen, has supported this project from both her heart and her generosity. She donated Visa gift cards to help cover expenses and has been one of the people cheering me on as this vision took shape. Every project needs people who quietly step in and ask, “How can I help?” Karen has been one of those people from the very beginning.

And then there’s Carly. From day one, she has been a steady source of encouragement and support. When grief feels overwhelming or self-doubt starts creeping in, she has a way of helping me find solid ground again. She reminds me why this project matters, encourages me to keep going when the work feels endless, and gently reminds me that my dad would be proud of what I’m building. Her friendship has been a gift throughout this entire journey.

Aubrey, Karen, and Carly have each supported this project in very different ways—through expertise, generosity, encouragement, and friendship—but all three have helped carry this dream when I couldn’t carry it alone.

My husband, John, has been my sounding board through every idea, every late-night thought, every moment of excitement, and every moment of doubt. He’s moved furniture, helped carry equipment, listened to endless planning conversations, and somehow hasn’t complained (too much) when I’ve spent some of our own money bringing this vision to life. Every big dream needs someone willing to help carry the heavy things, both literally and figuratively, and John has done exactly that.

My daughter, Julie, will be there on event day helping greet families, assisting with paperwork, and making sure participants feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive. But her support has gone far beyond helping with the event itself. She has walked beside me through some of the hardest days of grief, ridden the waves of sadness with me, checked in when I needed it most, and gently reminded me to take care of myself when I’ve been focused on taking care of everything else. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering love have been a source of comfort throughout this journey. I truly could not ask for a better daughter.

My son, Zach, and his girlfriend, Kristen, have spent time reviewing my website, offering suggestions, and helping gather meaningful items from my dad’s belongings that can be incorporated into the set. But more than that, they have been a source of strength, love, and encouragement throughout this process. Whether offering practical help, sharing ideas, or simply being there when I needed support, they have reminded me that I am surrounded by people who care deeply. Their willingness to invest their time and energy into this project means more to me than words can adequately express.

I’ve also been humbled by the kindness of people I barely know. Someone offered to loan me a rug. Someone donated a loveseat. Someone donated sheers to help families with wheelchairs if they’d like some camouflage for their chairs. BCPA donated the venue. Others have shared encouraging words, offered advice, spread the word, and simply believed in the mission behind this event.

Those acts may seem small to the person offering them, but together they have made an enormous difference.

This experience has reminded me of something important: very few meaningful things are accomplished alone.

We all need people who encourage us when we’re uncertain, help carry the heavy things, share their expertise when we’re learning, lend a hand when we’re overwhelmed, and remind us why we started when we’re tempted to quit.

The truth is, Moments to Memories may have started as an idea born from my own loss, but it has become something much bigger than me. It is a reflection of every person who has helped bring it to life. Every encouraging text, every donated item, every shared idea, every helping hand, and every reminder to keep going is woven into this project.

To my family, my friends, the generous donors, and the kind-hearted strangers who have supported this event in ways both big and small—thank you.

You have helped create something far bigger than a photography session.

You have helped create a gift for families.

You have helped transform grief into something beautiful.

And I will never forget it.

❤️

— Janice