Graduation

Kathryn Trattner Photography

I don’t remember the first time I saw her, like any family member she was there – an extension of the tree, another branch. Growing up we missed the chance to really bond, spending time overseas and out of state meant I wasn’t as close to my cousins as some families are. But I like to think we've made up for lost time.

Growing up is never easy. The world roughs you up before it spits you out a mostly formed adult. I’ve watched her struggle and grow, becoming a young woman who is confident, charming, and hilarious. She’s many things at once, complex and looking at the world with bright eyes.

I think she could be anything she wants, do anything she wants, go places and see things. I think she could be Epic with a capital E because that's what her mom and dad always said.

I believe them.