Upon That Final Curtain

This evening I had a rare opportunity, and one that I welcomed.

I have known PJ Yurish since 1996, first meeting him following a football game for his nephew.  We had common bond in that he adored his family, and I enjoyed photographing his family playing sports.  His son, Joey, was often a target of mine.  In youth football and high school, I probably took hundreds of photos of him.  Similarly, I photographed his daughter Jessica in dance for many years.  But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  And I won’t bore you with the details.

Instead, about three weeks prior to today, I was honored to be called to photograph PJ’s mother and much of the rest of his family.  He told me up front that she was dying from cancer, and didn’t have long to live, months at the most.  He wanted some photos with his mother, with his wife, with his children and grandchild.  This one last time, as he so eloquently put it.

We spent at least an hour photographing a lot of combinations of photos, but as always the baby, Aidric (Joey’s son with his wife Kristin) ended up stealing the show.  You can see pictures of him on my Facebook page, and on our website (Galleries, Children).  I put the images online for their convenience, mostly because PJ’s mother, Billie, was not terribly mobile.

Before we could take some additional photos with other family members, Billie passed away.  Sad yes, but she had suffered enough.

Fast forward to tonight again.

PJ came in to select photos that they would like to have for display and for family members.  Even before we started looking at the images (he had a mental and written list, even texting and talking with family members while he was here), PJ began recounting his mother’s last days, to the hour, then to the minute.

I will admit to you now that I did not know Billie well.  But I knew of her generosity, kindness, and spirituality.  And she was never one to speak softly when she believed strongly about something.  That showed as well in her children and grandchildren.

PJ spent an hour, at least, going through the details of his mothers generosity, her strength at the doctor’s final verdict on her health, and finally of the details surrounding her death and subsequent viewing and funeral.  He recounted it all, down to his mother’s final words: “PJ, PJ, I’m okay.”

And I listened… to every word.  At one point I offered a glass of water.  The roller coaster of emotions during his tales had plenty of stops and starts.  But I waited.  This man has done a lot for me, for my career and for my business.  I owed him whatever time he wanted to take… and was honored to hear his story.

When he left, once again wanting to help throw some more business my way, he shook my hand.  And I felt like I had been his sounding board, and that I’d made a difference tonight.

If for no other reason than I watch and wait, listen and learn, hear and console… THIS is why I do what I do.  This is the reason why I’m here… and my fondest wish is that everyone who has a loved one that is sick, or who has not had portraits done in awhile, and needs something now – to please call.  I’ll go to you if you can’t come to me.

It means that much.

Rest in peace, Billie Yurish.  You’ve earned it many times over.