I recently stumbled upon a social media post by a local woman whom I had never met before. With low expectations, she was vulnerably reaching out to the western Massachusetts community for assistance.

“Hello West Side! I was hoping to reach out to the community. My mom died back in ‘95 when I was three and I don’t really remember much about her. I was wondering if anyone who went to school with her or worked with her could tell me about her. Her name was Andrea Holly Rexer (married name Thompson), but most people called her Holly. Anything would be greatly appreciated. Have a great day! Clasa of maybe ‘87-‘88, not sure.”

Despite the simplicity of the post, it struck me emotionally. I felt for this woman. For this motherless child that she once was. I had no memories of her mother to offer. I do however posses a generous spirit, a sentimental personality and a photography business. I could not present memories the past but I could assist in the making of and documentation of new memories.

Since Elizabeth Carlson originally reached out publicly less than one month ago, she has received an outpouring of support from her community. Kind comments from locals wishing her the best, a slew of first hand stories about her mother, photographs and new relationships with former best friends of her mothers. Through the generosity of locals, Elizabeth has been reconnected with her mother in ways she had never expected.

Elizabeth now shares her days with her beloved husband, Paul and their silly dog, Mac. She is appreciative of her grandparents for raising her with an abundance of love and support.

It is not about capturing the picture but capturing the moment. Real Moments Captured. Discover more images from this local New England photographer's formal & candid family photo session and order your own prints, canvases, and keepsakes here.

~Kim (Founder | Lead Family Portrait Photographer | Kimberly Hatch Photography | Westfield, MA photo studio | Western Mass.)