Ady & Sad
"Ady"? That's kind of a weird name. That's where my mind takes me that people (who don't really know me....yet) ask themselves when they see the business name or people call me Ady (pronounced with a long "A") by close friends and family. Most people are quick to jump right to the "Yooooo Adrienne", which also has pretty great significance... and hey, that may come in a later blog. :-) A good Rocky reference and shout out is always welcomed!!!
It's actually bitter sweet that I write this blog on April 1st. Which is also the birthday of my cousin Chad, who was way more than a cousin to me, and probably much cooler too. :-) He was more like my little brother. The brother I never had, the brother that stood up for me, the brother that teased me immensley, the brother that I palled around with since birth; we were only 1 year apart. The brother that I thought would be here so our kids could grow up together and be close like we were.
When we were old enough to start talking, my name was to tough for him to say, and I get that.. some adults still have trouble.. haha! And apparently his name, Chad, was also too tough for me to say. Admittingly, I struggle pronouncing words as they're intended.. so this isn't a shock. (Listen.... I don't want to hear from the peanut gallery on this! :-) )
Probably close to the ages of 3, Ady and Sad came to existance. And it just stuck. I don't think Chad EVER called me by Adrienne as much as I can remember. My G-ma would always tell me stories about how we'd fight and tell on each other.... and how could someone with the nickname of "Ady" ever get into trouble? Let's be serious, lol. My G-ma, my aunts, my Mom and Dad, then as I got older it grew to close friends, my God kiddos; my husband and bonus daughter even call me Ady (I love that!) ... the nickname just became me and I wouldn't have it any other way. It became part of who I was; not just a shortened "nickname", but it was the nickname that was given to me by someone who I miss every single day.
Chad took his life May of 1997; he was 18 years old. Even to this day, it still seems very surreal. I always wonder what life would be like if he was here. But at the same time, I think I already know.. I just wish he was here to see how good of a life he could have had. Man.. he's missing so dang much.
There are things I still hold on to of his that I'll never let go of. There are pictures that I keep close to me and there are pictures I wish I had. A big reason why photography is so special to me. Life can change in an instant. Moments go, time passes and sometimes we forget to capture life. And sometimes, photos are all we have.
And now, I get to do this with my husband, which has been such a blessing for both of us. Gosh, it brings us so much joy to put you on the other side of the camera... because we all NEED to be in the picture.
Most importantly - if you're reading this. Know that there is hope. If you're snuggling with mental health, there's so many people out there willing to help! You are loved. And know that you're not alone. There's a beautiful life around the corner waiting for you! I promise!
Sending all the love,
Ady
