Dear Parents of the Class of 2020,

I know your heart is breaking for your child.

I know this because I, too, am a Mom of a Senior.

Needless to say, the past few months have been pretty traumatic for our kids.

Shows cancelled.
Sports cancelled.
SCHOOL cancelled.

My daughter, Shayla, and I can barely discuss Prom and Graduation without tears.
Who would have thought that something like this could ever happen?

That our Seniors would be denied the last 3 months of this much anticipated Best Year of their lives?

But as with most dark clouds,
humans look to create the silver linings.

When I think about how our school community is responding with such love and care for our Seniors
my heart feels like it will burst with gratitude.

So many sweet surprises to make them feel acknowledged and supported. Teachers visiting bearing air hugs and congratulatory lawn signs! Parents "adopting" each other's kids to shower them with attention and gifts!

These silver lining moments have made it oh so much more bearable for my girl, and I am guessing they brightened the day for your kiddos, too.

Back in April, after a few weeks in quarantine, when our weeping cherry was in blossom, I had an idea to brighten up my daughter's day. First I asked her to freshen up and put on something other than sweatpants, LOL. Then we went outside and I photographed her "Senior Portraits". You guys, for that entire hour my Shayla Moon was smiling, happy, and completely lit up.

I hadn't seen her eyes sparkling like that since March 11th.

And now she has these gorgeous images of her glorious radiant self at 18 that she absolutely loves!

And someday when she looks back at these... although she will certainly remember how awful it was to have her Senior Year cut short, she will also remember that she got through it. And she will see herself in those photos as a strong, powerful, beautiful Senior girl, who was truly adored and celebrated for this incredible milestone of graduating high school!

My girl's Senior Photo Shoot recorded a very special moment for both of us to remember, like a divine light amidst the darkness. And these lovely images will continue to remind us of how we took a break from the sadness to be present to all she has worked towards and achieved and become.

A silver lining moment for sure.

I have been creating Portraiture for many years, but because of that shoot in April, I realized that my passion right now lies in serving Seniors at this intense time. And so far every single Senior Session I have done has been magical!

Watching them open up to receive recognition and stepping into the fullness of who they are is incredible to behold.

It's true though, that nothing can "make up" for all the important rites of passage that they would be experiencing.
And it's hard to accept that this sacred time period for them will never be how we all thought and dreamed it would.

But we CAN keep trying to MARK this special time for our kids.

This year it is more important than ever to help them to feel honored and celebrated.

To give them opportunities in which to walk through this portal of the end of their Senior year, and on into the next phase of their lives.

A Senior Photo Shoot is just one idea. If you have others please share them with me!

We have been dealt some seriously sour lemons and we are all trying to make the best lemonade possible for our children. :)

If you are interested in Senior Portraits for your child, you can see my portfolio here:

If you want to follow my Senior Instagram, catered just for our kids (or pass it on to yours!) go here:

And if a professional photo shoot is not your thing please consider a DIY Senior Photo Shoot!

Ask your child to dress up in their prom attire, or their new college sweatshirt, or just any random outfit that they feel good in and that represents THEM as a Senior. Clear some time in your day (an hour before sunset is best). Go outside in the fresh air, and take a bunch of shots with THEIR cell phone, all the while cheering them on with compliments of how awesome they look and they are!

They will love having photos of themselves to enjoy and to share with their friends, and of course being loved on and appreciated by your mom or dad is always an uplifter. :)

Sending you all a big virtual hug, with extra prayers for the Fall to be kind to our kids.

Warmly,
Cari Ellen Hermann