In 2007, I realized that I wanted a different life. I no longer wanted to be a part of the rat race working on Wall Street. After many years studying photography, I took a leap in 2008.
Why 2008 you might ask? It was a very important year for my family, as we welcomed our daughter Gianvieve into this world. I wanted to be around for her. I followed my heart, initially focusing on weddings, but soon realized while Gianvieve was young, that I had a great love for portraits as well. This would give me the ability to spend more weekends with our growing family as we welcomed our daughter Andrea into our family in 2010.
There are so many things in my past that have shaped me. I have very few memories of my father growing up. My parents split when I was four and my dad died very young. I was just ten when he passed away. I think I saw him once after my parents split. I remember him calling from time to time from Florida and I always asked “when would I see you again?”
I cherish the few memories I do have of my father. Last week, my mother received a note from my father Jay’s cousin. The note said….
“I went to grab a recipe book I had and in it that fell out was an old TV Week from an old news paper dated 4/20/86 and I had scribble all over it. I believe it was from a conversation I had with Jay telling me to listen to CBS FM 101 I wrote on this TV Week paper To Natalie From Dad in Port Richey “Weekend in New England” by Barry Manilow – I believe he dedicated this song to her do you remember that – Thought this would be a nice memory for her….. Xox nite! A”
If you listen to the lyrics of the song…
Last night I waved goodbye, now it seems years
I’m back in the city where nothing is clear
But thoughts of me holding you, bringing us near
—
And tell me, when will our eyes meet?
When can I touch you?
When will this strong yearning end?
And when will I hold you again
—
Time in New England took me away
To long rocky beaches and you by the bay
We started a story whose end must now wait
—
And tell me, when will our eyes meet?
When can I touch you?
When will this strong yearning end?
And when will I hold you again
—
Our children cherish more than we know. They may not admit it yet, but they do.
Life is precious and for some it’s too short. It’s never too late to leave the rat race or change your path if you so desire.
I’ve met so many wonderful people who have shared stories with me. Some faced struggles… loss of loved ones too early. I think we all have a story. If you think you want a different life, don’t wait. Life is just too short.
And remember… our children only have one childhood.
~Natalie
