It was my great honour to be invited to a unique ceremony held on Vinegar Hill. Justice and Kyera lost their mom in January and this was a way for them to express some of the things which were in their hearts. 

We purchased red helium balloons and headed to Vinegar Hill. Stacey (a mutual friend) had obtained sweetgrass and some native smudging herbs from a local elder with instructions of how we could support the girls to respect their culture. We prayed, burned the sweetgrass and herbs, the girls wrote their letters and attached them to the balloons and we headed toward the regal old oak tree to perform the release.

After watching the balloons disappear into the blue sky my eye caught sight of a young eagle circling over us and I felt very blessed to have been present to capture this meaningful event celebrating a life cut short. The girls proudly showed me the rings which had belonged to their mom, I know these will be treasured. I hope the photographs I took will bring the girls some comfort and be a reminder of a precious time when friendship and nature combined to create a special memory.