Capturing Beaver Marsh in Light of a Long Illness

I sometimes include a note when I post photos to Facebook groups. I encourage people to let me know where I can take a photo in Northeast Ohio if the person in ill or is somewhat limited and can’t access to places they’d like to visit.

Lori took me up on the offer in 2022. As her daughter, Allison, coped with a long illness, they couldn’t go to Beaver Marsh in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I agreed to send them some current photos. One photo led to a few 8×10 images I sent at no cost for Lori to pick up at Walgreens. I send others via Instagram messages and email.

Over time, Allison regained her strength. We all became friends and I took her senior portraits. I’m grateful that they welcomed me into their lives – all because I was willing to send them a photo.

I spent a lot of time and effort this spring and summer selling my photos at art festivals. I learned a ton and it was great making connections with new customers.

We never met until…

Labor Day weekend was special – and among my top favorite photography moments these past few years.

I give God credit for what happened.

In September, 2023, I had a booth at Hale Farm & Village for an arts festival near Bath, Ohio. Lori approached with Allison – I had never met them and didn’t know they were going to be there.

Lori said, “Are you Mike Murray?”

“Yes,” I said, surprised at the question from a stranger.

“Can I give you a hug?”

“Yes,” said, even more stunned.

And then she told me they were the mother/daughter who enjoyed those photos.

As it turns out, I had a cool one from Beaver Marsh (shadows). I took it from my display and handed it to them. She insisted on buying another photo.

Neither one planned to be at the festival that day. Lori had a notion to go to the festival and Allison had enough energy. She hesitated a couple times and Lori mom convinced her to go out the door. They had no idea I would be there. “I guess God wanted us to go,” the daughter said.

We got a group photo that we’re all cherishing.

We went to Beaver Marsh for some of the senior portraits. As we headed to our cars, Allison said shared a little about what they both enjoy with their shared love of Beaver Marsh.

“We point at birds and tell them they’re pretty.”