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Dear
Terry and Donna,
I
can't thank you enough for the beautiful portrait you created
of my mom and dad that was used at my mother's memorial service
and celebration of her life. Little did we know that exactly
one month to the day that Terry photographed Kimberly and
Troy's wedding, December 16, Mom would suffer a stroke that
ultimately took her from us three weeks later. Mom's health
began declining two years ago, but declined swiftly in the
last six months; she was so small, delicate and frail. I think
she knew the end of her life on this earth was drawing near,
and she was at peace about going to be with the Lord. However,
she had a prayer (and the will) to live to see her oldest
granddaughter marry and realize the birth of her second great-
grandchild. Her prayer was answered. She witnessed Kimberly's
wedding; following the stroke, while in the hospital, she
learned of the safe arrival of Hannah Joy. On February 6,
I drove my daughter, Andrea, and her 5-day old baby, Hannah,
to the hospital, where she was presented to her great-grandmother
Rosie. Mom passed away that night.
Immediately,
our family began planning Mom's memorial service. We wanted
a picture of Mom and Dad to place on the altar communion table.
My parents had not had a formal portrait made of them in many
years. Then I remembered the picture taken of them with Kimberly
and Troy at the wedding. Kimberly telephoned your studio the
morning following my mother's passing. She was told that the
original preview could be digitally manipulated; Kimberly
and Troy could be removed; and the result would be a portrait
quality photograph of Mom and Dad. That same day she went
to your studio and placed the order. The finished product
was ready later that day. When Kimberly picked it up, she
was in awe of what Donna had created, as was the rest of the
family! In the original photograph, Kimberly was next to my
mother. Her bridal bouquet of lilies, roses, etc., was partially
covering my mother. The final portrait was a priceless masterpiece.
The bouquet of flowers was there, but through your mastery
of digital media, you had recreated the same flowers, softly
surrounding an oval likeness of my precious mother and dad.
Although
my mother lived for 85 long years, for which I am so thankful,
we were not prepared for how difficult it would be to let
her go, but Dad and I have the knowledge and peace it is not
a permanent separation. Until we are reunited with her in
heaven, along with the cherished memories Dad will have of
his loyal and loving helpmate of 57 years, he has the beautiful
portrait of Mom and him, which he will always treasure.
With
sincere gratitude,
Sharon Mutschler
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