As many of you know I have been to DC many times over the course of the past few years to shoot. My very first client in DC was the Murrays. At the time, Kelly and Sean had 5 girls. FIVE GIRLS. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated by the number but the minute I walked in to their beautiful, albeit modest Chevy Chase home, I felt like part of the family. This is an amazing WOMAN. Kelly, who just turned 40 this year was a clinical psychologist, naval officer, tenured professor at Loyala, author of the book ‘Crazy Love’, runner, avid traveler, philanthropist and one insanely amazing mother and friend. I loved her from the minute I met her – she was beautiful, collected, down to earth, and FUNNY. She knew her life was insane, she knew that having that many kids and the amazing career was a lot to handle but she was ALWAYS willing to sit down, have a glass of wine and enjoy good conversation. Over the course of the last few years I was able to get to know her, shoot her and her expanded family again (girl number SIX was born last year) so needless to say i was completely broken hearted when I got the news.
Friday night, driving home from swim lessons with her girls a storm erupted. In an instant a large tree branch fell on her car, killing her and her beautiful, sweet third daughter, Sloane. Left behind is Sean and the remaining 5 girls (Jillian, 12 Meghan, 11, Maeve, 6, Quinn, 2, and Kieran, 10 months) . I don’t think we can begin to imagine how difficult this is and will be on their family and loved ones. I am so thankful to have been introduced to such an amazing family. Kelly and sweet Sloane will be forever missed. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am. Please keep this family in your prayers. You can also help out by making a donation. There is a memorial fund being set up to help assist with education for the remaining 5 girls. Kelly, together with Sean worked like crazy to support her family and they will need large support to make up for the financial loss in the futre. I am ALSO asking any fellow photographer to help out too by posting this story with the pictures below on your blog to both spread the word on the scholarhip fund but also remind people to cherish their every day here b/c as this story resonates, we never know when its going to be our time.
Payments can be made to the Murray Girls College Scholarship Fund (send checks to Kelly McMahon, Attn: Murray Scholarship 3908 Leland St, Chevy Chase, MD 20815).
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31595158/ns/local_news-washington_dc/
Life will be different tomorrow, so make sure and cherish today!
t sweet Sloane
by bethcjansen
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