I want to share something that has had such an enormous impact on my life and the lives of so many who new him. 3 weeks and 2 days ago, one of my best friends little boy Jude, passed away at aged 18 months. The morning of that shocking phone call, the time at their home on that dreaded morning, has without a doubt been one of my biggest, most devastating ‘lifeshocks’. Jude was part of my life even before he entered the world – his mom and I got to travel around Cuba and shoot for close to 3 weeks, with him happily squirming away in her tummy. When he was born up until recently, the 3 of us would meet up every week for coffee. When Jude starting walking he had absolutely no fear of life – he would spot a shop, or dog or another child and just make a bee-line, with either mom or I taking turns running after him. His little life on earth was cut short by a virus – no warning, no preparation, no nothing. The day, with all it’s chaos, the tears, the whaling, the disbelief, the anger, the shock, the numbness, the love, the support, all of it, was umbrella’d by this hovering nauseating and surreal silence.
Jude has brought so much love to so many people in such a short time. He has enriched my life and left his mark. I was chatting to his mom on Friday, and we agreed how something like this makes you want to be more real – to just cut the crap. It has been a reminder too, about what is important, what really matters – quality time with family and friends and just sharing moments with people you love . When children are first discovering things, they make us stop to re-discover them too – to just ‘be’. I have learned huge lessons and many things have changed for me in past few weeks, by this one smiling, funny, lively and unbelievably gorgeous little boy. His death has made me completely re-evaluate my life and do a 360 deg. turn. Work has been my main focus – shoot, edit, shoot, edit, coffee, shoot, shoot some more, edit, edit, edit. As much as I completely love what I do, work is just part of the large ‘pie’ and the need to focus and give 100% to each area – friendships, relationships, work, health, self etc – is a challenge and a difficult one to balance. It didn’t take a life coach, but one loveable little boy to show me that. Jude’s death doesn’t make any sense. Some things are beyond human control or understanding. I am grateful for the journey and friendship I have shared so far with his mom, and even more grateful that I knew and got to spend time with this precious little soul.
One of my favourite shots of Jules – I love the light wrapping itself around her and the Jude-bump.
Please take some time to see some amazing images of Jude by viewing this link www.julesmorganweddings.com/life/to-my-judle-noodle.html
