I met Paul in high school. Like Facebook does, I was able to catch up with him a bit since graduation almost 20 years ago. I was able to follow along with the good times when he and his wife, Tracy, were expecting their little boy. And the not so good times when Paul was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July, 2012. Highs and lows came in the form of Caring Bridge updates throughout Paul’s treatments — obviously a roller coaster of emotions for Paul and his beautiful family. This month brought an update that was hard to wrap my head around. Paul has been moved to hospice. I was able to have the opportunity to capture Paul, Tracy and Emmett at their home. All together. They read books and looked at pictures of Emmett when he was a baby. Snacked on Cool Ranch Doritos as they hung out in the porch that Paul and Tracy built. Rock songs were belted out. Hugs were had. Tears fell. Smiles appeared.
I got the news today that Paul passed away last night. I am forever grateful for and will always remember the time I was able to spend with the Koski’s on that snowy Monday.
