Living With Regret

Pain is temporary. This is usually true. Physical or emotional pain will almost always pass.

Actually, as I write this, I have to laugh. It seems like, as I get older, when something starts hurting, it's possible that it will hurt forever. Recently, my elbow started hurting and I thought, "Well, I guess my elbow is going to hurt forever now..."

There is one type of pain that doesn't seem to fade with time. In fact, it often gets worse. I'm talking about the pain of regret.

I feel like I'm being a Debbie Downer...

But what I'm saying about regret is true. Unfortunately, I am familiar with how this feels. I have plenty of regrets - from how much time I spent with my kids when they were little to how few (three to be precise) family pictures I had done while my children were at home. Those years are behind me and I can't change the past and it makes me sad every. single. time. I think about it.

Another regret I personally have is how little time I spent with my grandparents. They were amazing and interesting and I can barely remember them.

For example, my grandfather was a photographer who went by the name Chickenman. Here's a little video to explain (this was a documentary being made - unfortunately, it was never produced):

He was a talented photographer but an even better grandpa. He fought in WWII! He had so many interesting/almost unbelievable stories! He had the most amazing sense of humor which you can get a sense of by looking at this picture:

Luckily, he stopped by my studio in Utah shortly before he died and we did these pictures. These are the last professional portraits of my grandfather. When he was at the studio doing this pictures, it was after he had suffered a stroke. He couldn't really remember anything and he wasn't quite himself. Fortunately, his little routine with his chicken was a part of his subconscious.

I'd love my children to be able to hear his voice and stories. I wish I had him on video. He lived through so much and had so much wisdom to share. He had such a healthy perspective on life and great advice about how to be happy.

When he died a few years ago, all of that went with him. It's depressing. I feel the regret of not capturing his character and life-lessons for me, my children and grandchildren.

The purpose of YURU is to prevent this type of regret. The art that we provide is the most custom, beautiful, exclusive, priceless art that can exist. What's more valuable than documenting the image and knowledge of the wisest, most-experienced among us?!

I encourage you to avoid this regret that I feel. Our sweet parents and grandparents will someday pass away. Whenever it happens, it will feel too soon. Imagine the comfort of capturing their wisdom, experiences, mannerisms and character in a YURU session. It's why we're here.

Eric