A very touching email

Every once in while, I get an email or a letter that really helps me to remember why it is that I love this job.

Here is an email from a recent bride...

Bruce,

First of all, I have no words for what those pictures did for us. You captured my wedding day so I'll never forget the magic that happened. One picture stood out far beyond the rest. Quite a few years ago Eddie's Dad was very sick and dying. He had called for all the family to be there by his hospital bed, almost to say his last goodbyes. Eddie got the call from his brother at work that dad was asking for him. Eddie, then living in Durham, NC left work on his way to Roanoke, VA to be with his dad. Several times from Durham to Roanoke Eddie got the call asking "where are you, Dad's asking for you". Just a few miles from the hospital in Roanoke, a cop pulled out behind Eddie. He thought about speeding to get there faster but didn't want to risk getting a ticket and waisting more time, so he did the speed limit all the way there. By the time he reached the room Eddie(senior) had already passed. It was very hard for him, knowing that his dad was asking for him and he just missed him. He never felt like he had a proper goodbye.

Several days later when he returned home to Durham and to work he had a very bothersome visitor. Every time he went out to smoke, a little yellow butterfly outlined in black would land on the trash can next to where he stood. Several times he shooed him away but to no avail, he always flew right back to the trash can. This determined butterfly did this for weeks, it didn't matter what time of day it was or how many times he went out or what the weather brought, he was there. Finally Eddie quit trying to get rid of the butterfly when he realized that every time he showed up was when he had thoughts of his dad or the fact that he didn't make it in time. Maybe this was dad saying it was okay that you didn't make it and I'll be right here by your side.

So Bruce, yellow butterflies are something very special to us because they always show up at just the right time. We always giggle because we know it's just Eddie (senior) telling us that it's okay I'll be right here with you.

While looking through my wedding pictures I clicked on one that gave me goose bumps. I instantly called Eddie and said "guess who was at the wedding?" Of course he had no clue, so I told him amongst all the pictures you took I came across a picture of a bed of flowers that that just seemed random until I realized a little yellow butterfly outlined in black right in the middle.

So, long story short, thanks for letting us know that Eddie (senior) was there to share our day with us!

We love you!
Keturah and Eddie Callaway

It is my pleasure to provide photographs like this.