The late afternoon was one filled with remembrance of a dear soul I had the honor to have met during her life. I was on my way to a visitation for an old, dear friend from my school days. The funeral home was in Grass Lake, Michigan. From the moment I had learned of the revised visitation and its location, I planned to do a therapy session afterwards with my camera. Shooting landscapes and nature has become a very soothing hobby. My spirit calms down and any anxiety or stress I had felt throughout the day melts away with each shutter snap.

     I showed up at the funeral home and found old friends. All of those friends were either school-mates or teachers and/or mentors. We caught up on lost time, all-the-while remembering a common friend. We made it a point to talk with each other about a lot of different subject. We learned what we all went on to do with our lives, as well as how we were doing as we waded through life. Our kids, our schools, our families, and our successes; we had a lot to talk about. Of those I spoke with, most were related to the deceased, and although their hearts were broken, we enjoyed a great conversation. We remembered her life, the impact she made, and our interactions with her. She was a great lady that positively influenced a lot of people, both young and old. Remembering our friendship throughout high school as she was a role model for all of the students she had encountered. She was an active participant in the church that was associated with the school and everyone had the utmost respect for her. Peggy Butterfield had lived a long and successful life.

     When I noticed the sun was getting low, I said my goodbyes and headed out to Grass Lake. I set up my tripod on the edge of the lake, mounted the camera and awaited for the sun to cast its reflection on the face of the water. The streak of golden sunset on the water's face, as it began setting, was a sight to behold. The end of the day was imminent and the final show of beauty was memorable. I suppose that our lives, through memories, begin to be reflected upon by those around us. On a beautiful life, those reflections can glow through conversations of remembrance. We can literally and subconsciously visualize the life that is about to end or just has ended. Like this sunset, a beautiful end, and more memories captured to be talked about for years to come.