Max will be missed | Having faith in times of disbelief
It was Monday morning when I got the text message: “Please call me ASAP!!”. The message came to me from Rain, a longterm and very loved client of mine. I called her immediately to find out what was so urgent.
Rain first contacted me over 5 years ago to photograph her family portraits. She and her husband brought their family to the studio and we captured some of the best portraits I’ve ever done. Their family, quite numerous, was very friendly and extremely wonderful to work with.
Ohhh My… it was so hard to choose. They are all so wonderful. Works of art for my walls… Picasso has nothing on you!
Rain Singingwolf
A couple years later and it was time for Rain’s oldest daughter to come by and do her senior portraits. Again, it was so much fun and Cheyenne did an amazing job with her photos.
Over the years, Rain kept bringing the rest of her family for portraits to fill up her home. Eventually, I got the call that Cheyenne and recently been engaged to a wonderful man named Max. Needless to say, I was thrilled.
Back in May of this year, Cheyenne and Max came to the studio so we could do their engagement portraits. Do I even need to say it? This family has a talent for being photographed.
And then Monday came. I received Rain’s frantic text message and called her back immediately
Over the weekend, Maxwell had died from a sudden heart attack. It was a tremendous shock to my soul. Here was an amazing family, ready to celebrate their daughter’s wedding to this amazing man in November, and everything came crashing down overnight. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through right now.
First, I was speechless. Then I cried. And cried. There were times when I couldn’t even breathe while I was choking on the words. Rain and I sat on the phone together crying while I did my best to console her. I couldn’t think of what to say. It was soul crushing.
No parent should have to bury their child…
With only a couple months away from their wedding, I couldn’t imagine anything worse happening to this loving man and woman, as well as their families and friends.
I feel completely helpless right now. The only thing I know I can do is share this with people and remind them that every person in your life is loved. Never let anyone go through life without letting them know how much you love them.
Rain, your family is so dear to me, but at the same I can’t begin to understand the pain you’re going through. However, I wish I could do more than just photos.
For the little time I was able to spend with Max, he immediately became a positive influence in my life. He was kind, generous, and was always quick with a laugh.
To the families of Maxwell and Cheyenne, my heart aches for you all. You’re in my prayers and I am honored to do whatever I can to help you get through this difficult time.
Showing your support…
In honor of the life of Maxwell Spencer Vallée, I’m asking you to donate to the American Heart Association. Someone dies from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease every 43 seconds in this country. They miss out on life’s precious moments. They leave behind a family and friends who loved them. This is your chance to help save lives. Millions of people are at risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. But your action today will help fund innovative research for new treatments, provide programs and services for survivors and their families, and help more of our loved ones lower their risk.
