This is not a typical blog post. In all honesty, I don't even know what to write but I know I want to write something. This past Friday, one of my clients and new friend passed away and needless to say its been a very sad time. As I said I don't know where to begin so I guess I will start at the beginning. Last winter Todd called me to talk about doing a surprise family session in the spring for his wife and his parents. He thought it would make a nice Mother's Day Gift for Jodi and also would be a nice surprise to do photos on the farm as his parents were going to be retiring. So we started our basic plan to do them in the spring. When the spring rolled around the weather wasn't the best so it got postponed till summer. It actually got postponed a few times due to various everyday things. He was so concerned that he was becoming my client from hell, lol. Of coarse he was no where near that. Finally in July we got all our ducks in a row and my assistant Niki and I headed to their farm near Melville. We had the best time with them. They seriously are the nicest people. It was obvious that Todd was a great guy, but so was everyone in the family. I guess the apples never fall far from the tree. When Niki and I left that day we talked all the way home about what a wonderful family this was and how we were made to feel so welcome. A few days later I got their blog posted and that night I received an email. I must say, at first I thought it was coming from Jodi but when I scrolled to the bottom, I saw that it actually came from Todd. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Its an email that I have never erased and I don't think I ever will. Todd Miller was a wonderful man. He was a great father, husband, brother, son and friend to everyone who knew him. I don't think that there is a person that he didn't touch and I truly hope that in his last moments on this earth he knew that. Todd, you will be greatly missed.
In closing I am posting a few photos and I am also going to post the email that he sent me that night. One thing that has stuck in my mind is this line, "the reason that we did this was to preserve our children for eternity". If we had only known at the time, we were preserving his memory.
Sharon. I wish there was a way I could say thank you via email that would come through with as much sincerity as is deserving right now. A few of us have seen the postings tonight and are extremely happy with what you have done for us. We are considering remortgaging in order to purchase them all! The "ooohs" and "aaawwws" have just begun.. The best compliment I can possibly give you is this; our main goal in doing those pictures was preserving our kids for eternity, if you changed one thing about the kids photos, they would be wrong. They are exactly what we wanted.
In closing I am posting a few photos and I am also going to post the email that he sent me that night. One thing that has stuck in my mind is this line, "the reason that we did this was to preserve our children for eternity". If we had only known at the time, we were preserving his memory.
Sharon. I wish there was a way I could say thank you via email that would come through with as much sincerity as is deserving right now. A few of us have seen the postings tonight and are extremely happy with what you have done for us. We are considering remortgaging in order to purchase them all! The "ooohs" and "aaawwws" have just begun.. The best compliment I can possibly give you is this; our main goal in doing those pictures was preserving our kids for eternity, if you changed one thing about the kids photos, they would be wrong. They are exactly what we wanted.
When Amy first recommended you after their engagement pictures, I took a look at your website and decided immediately that this is what we wanted.. Not only have you not disappointed, you have taken things to another level in our books. Thank you very much (and please thank Nikki as well, its deserving) for all of this.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Todd
In closing I want to extend my heart felt condolences to the entire Miller Family. Todd was such a wonderful man and I will remember him forever. You are all in my hearts and my prayers and always will be. To anyone reading this, please leave your comments about Todd in the comments area below. I am sure that all of your love and support will be greatly appreciated by the family when they are feeling up to reading this. Also, please remember that there is a trust account set up at the Horizon Credit Union for Todd's children if you would like to make a donation. In closing all I can say is this. Friends and I have been discussing what a horrible loss this is and what could there possibly be to take from it. I think Todd would agree when I say "hug your family and friends". Make time for them and love them as life is too short and we truly must treat each day like it could be our last. Let's use this as a way to remember our friend and honor his memory.
In closing I want to extend my heart felt condolences to the entire Miller Family. Todd was such a wonderful man and I will remember him forever. You are all in my hearts and my prayers and always will be. To anyone reading this, please leave your comments about Todd in the comments area below. I am sure that all of your love and support will be greatly appreciated by the family when they are feeling up to reading this. Also, please remember that there is a trust account set up at the Horizon Credit Union for Todd's children if you would like to make a donation. In closing all I can say is this. Friends and I have been discussing what a horrible loss this is and what could there possibly be to take from it. I think Todd would agree when I say "hug your family and friends". Make time for them and love them as life is too short and we truly must treat each day like it could be our last. Let's use this as a way to remember our friend and honor his memory.
Click here to see the rest of the blog posting from their family session.
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Comments
Sharon, I saw those photos when you posted them and they are gorgeous..and will indeed be cherished since Todd has now passed. This is a very nice tribute to him and his family! He will be truly missed by so many people.
(11.24.09 @ 11:36 AM)That is beatiful Sharon...It is just amazing, his expression in the family picture is the one image that will stay with me forever! That was his trademark expression!
(11.24.09 @ 02:07 PM)We will miss Coach Miller ~Melville Novice Blues 2009
Thank you Auntie Sharon for such a beautiful tribute to Todd. He was one of the nicest people you will probably ever meet. His email to you brought tears to my eyes. Rest in peace Todd!
(11.24.09 @ 03:11 PM)Hi Sharon,
(11.24.09 @ 07:27 PM)I worked with Todd for a number of years at the CU. And he was a terrific guy, he was so much fun to work with, a real prankster, so he totally fit in. I was stunned to hear of his passing. Your pics are such a wonderful tribute and memory to his life.
I have known Todd for many, many years...probably since he was about the age of his own son...I spent many hours with the Miller's both on horseback and "just hanging out at the ranch"...watching him grow from a young boy into the fantastic young man he was!...from the moment I met them all...they welcomed me to their family like one of their own...kind, genuine and honest people....Truly...you do not find these type of friends but once in a lifetime! Todd was one of the greatest people you could ever meet, and the photo above is so typically "Todd"...beer, pop & sippy cup in hand with that infectious smile he always wore! A very great tribute indeed, capturing is true spirit! Although his being as we know it is gone from this Earth, his life will be preserved for eternity, not only in pictures, but also in all the memories he has created with all those who knew him. Heaven has gained another Angel.
(11.24.09 @ 10:41 PM)Sharon. This is such a sad story. My heart breaks for Todd's Family and for Jodi. I grew up next door to Jodi's cousins in Davidson and was in shock when I heard the news. My sincerest condolences go out to Jodi and the whole family. These images will be so cherished.
(11.24.09 @ 11:03 PM)Sharon - After I heard of Todd's passing, I immediately thought of the photos you had done for the family. I'm so happy that they will have the beautiful photographs to cherish for the rest of their lives. I lost my father about the same age as Brady is now, and my family has never been really into taking photographs....so to have the great photos that Brady and Brooke have with their Daddy, is priceless! Many thoughts and prayers go to Jodie, Brady, Brooke and family!!!
(11.25.09 @ 07:47 AM)A great tribute to a great guy. He was so genuine. He will be missed by many. Many prayers to Jodie, Brady, Brooke and the entire family, as the days ahead will be so hard. What a beautiful way to honor his life and memory.
(11.25.09 @ 08:33 AM)Sharon: I've wanted for years to get family pictures done! Seeing the amazing pictures of Todd's family coming to life, just brought tears to my eyes. I've known the Miller Family all my life and truly, they are definitely the nicest family you can meet. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Jodi and the children, Ken, Bonnie and Jackie for the tragic loss of such a wonderful man, TODD. Your excellent work will be the greatest gift for the family. God Bless you and may you continue your excellent work. Perhaps with my family! Love You!
(11.25.09 @ 06:45 PM)Great tribute to a wonderful family. Todd will be dearly missed by many !
(11.25.09 @ 07:35 PM)Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family...
This is a fantastic thing you did in memory of Todd. He was such a wonderful man that touched everyone's heart that knew him. My deepest sympathy to Jodi and their children, along with his parents and family. He truly will be missed!
(11.26.09 @ 10:27 AM)WOW!! You have TRULY CAPTURED the ESSENCE of an AMAZING MAN and FAMILY!!! FANTASTIC work! Any one who knew Todd will look at these and and say that this was Todd exactly as he was!!
(11.26.09 @ 01:18 PM)What a beautiful memory for the family. I knew Jodi as she was my son's fourth grade teacher and he still talks about how great she was. She is a wonderful person and I can only begin to imagine the pain she must feel. She is a kind and caring person!! Mmy heart goes out to you Jodi. Our sympathy goes out to you and your little ones!!!! You are in our hearts and prayers each day!!
Ryan, Deanne, Hunter and Reid Arnold
(11.26.09 @ 01:19 PM)Todd....what can I say? You and I grew up together since we were 5 years old. We did everything together; play hockey, ball, fish, golf, camping.....and the list goes on. There are so many great memories of the time that we had together. We always had a smart remark for each other to make us laugh, and we always had time to listen if one of us needed that helping hand. Like that song said "Hey God I just lost a dear old friend;"...... you were a TRUE FRIEND, you were like a brother to me. I am going to MISS YOU BUD, FRIENDS FOREVER!!!!! Sharon, thanks for posting these photos. You have truly captured my BUDDY at his BEST!!!!!
(11.26.09 @ 03:08 PM)Thanks Sharon for posting these photos of Todd and his family. As well, thanks for your wonderful words. I am Gary's older sister and grew up with Jackie (Todd's sister) & with Todd at our house playing hockey, ball, etc. with my 'little bro' and the rest of their crew. Your words describing Todd, Jodi and the Miller clan are very accurate. They are one of the most wonderful families I have had the pleasure of knowing! I am still in shock (as I'm sure we all are) over Todd's death. My heart goes out to Jodi, Brady, Brooke, Ken, Bonny, Jackie, Randy and their family and ALL the extended family and friends that Todd has left behind. Thanks again Sharon for sharing these photos with us! God bless you BIG!
(11.26.09 @ 10:50 PM)I had to send a note to say how beautiful the photos of Todd and his family are and how touching it was for you to post his email and your thoughts on what a wonderful man he was and what a wonderful family. I grew up with Todd and your words couldn't be more perfect and true about his character. He will be missed. I also wanted to comment on your work - it is truly unique and beautiful - I only wish you could come to Montreal to photograph my family! Take care, and again thanks for posting your blog.
(11.27.09 @ 09:23 AM)My thoughts are with Todd's family through this difficult time.
These are absolutely amazing photos, I agree you have truly captured Todd and his family to a Tee. What a great memory to have. Todd was an amazing person and I am truly blessed to have been friends..
(12.03.09 @ 12:31 PM)Jodi, Brady and Brooke - treasure the photos and the great times you had together. He will be sadly missed. Always a smile or a wave, he was and always will be a great friend who will be missed dearly.
(12.03.09 @ 12:35 PM)Take care.
God works in mysterious ways, what a wonderful keepsake for his family.
(02.23.10 @ 08:25 PM)