How fun to photograph Mary Nora, who I’ve known since, essentially, before she was born. I met Mary Nora’s mom, Manon, many moons ago during my first year of teaching when she was pregnant with this beautiful young lady. As a young new teacher at Bayside Middle School, I turned to some of the more experienced teachers, like Manon, for advice on dealing with the sometimes unruly behaviors of middle schoolers and parents (haha)! Manon quickly became like a mentor to me and shortly thereafter, a dear friend. She’s been a source of support and friendship to me through many milestones–getting married, struggling to have children, becoming a parent, and losing my husband. I’ve watched her children grow into lovely young adults. Both of her children held my babies when they were babies and then Mary Nora became their babysitter when they were a bit older. Now Manon teaches my daughter and also taught my son last year! I sure hope she’ll be around when my youngest gets to middle school to complete our full circle friendship. 😉 <3 To say that I was honored to photograph Mary Nora and a few years ago, her brother Doug, is truly an understatement. Mary Nora, you are simply beautiful, inside and out, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you!