TBT: My First Friend In The United States

Suellen, My Friend, Teacher, and Support

Suellen is the first person that I hung out with when I first moved to United States, 11 years ago. She is an elementary teacher who lived across the street. My English was pretty bad at that time, I could barely put together a sentence. My oldest daughter, Katie, and her daughter, Macy, were very close in age to each other. She always invited Katie and me to her house and let the girls play together. We cooked, had dinner, played games, and the girls took bubble baths together.

Because of all the activities that we did together, my English speaking skills improved. I saw how she taught Macy manners and how she interacted with Macy. I was so impressed by the way she raised her daughter. I learned and applied her methods for my own daughter. After a couple of years, she had her younger son, Blaine, and I had my younger daughter, Nikki. The 4 kids were best buddies, and don’t forget Stella! Stella was Suellen’s family’s dog. She was very gentle and friendly. She was with Suellen’s family for many years before I met them and was very good with the kids. She lived a good life and passed away a couple years ago. Stella you will always be missed <3

I took this picture of Nikki and Stella at Suellen’s house when Nikki was 1 year old.

Suellen helped me to become a better photographer. Before I started my business, she always hosted play dates and allowed me to practice my photography skills by photographing the kids while they were playing. After I started my business, she was very supportive. She hired me to photograph her family pictures and Blaine’s 2 year old birthday party. I always had so much FUN during session times.

Although I moved to Raleigh a couple of years ago, Suellen and I still keep in touch every time I visit Kernersville. Last year, I got to photograph her 2 babies, Macy & Blaine, again. But this time, they were not babies anymore. They had grown into a beautiful, young lady and handsome, cute boy. I miss them so so much and look forward to our next play date when I’m in Kernersville.