Sunrise in the White Mountains

Yesterday was a day of reflection. Matei and I brought our Doberman to Sugar Hill, NH a year ago today to watch the sunrise over the Lupines, shortly after he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). As a somewhat unpredictable disease, we could have had anywhere from a few months to years with him, and would not take another moment for granted. We vowed to do even more and see even more with Mars, and if at all possible, love on him more - and a trip to the mountains was the perfect way to start.

Yesterday, we made the trek north to the White Mountains again, waking up at 3:00 a.m. for a 5:02 a.m. sunrise. It was frigid – the fields were full of frost, giving the flowers a magical sparkle. Between field closures due to COVID-19 and the cold, we shared the field with only one other photographer, who made the trip from Virginia.

We hoped to bring our sweet boy back again this year, but it wasn't in the cards. As the sun rose over the mountains and fog rolled through the fields and across the lupines, it was only the familiar jingling of Mars' collar that accompanied us, and our countless memories. Emotions, of course, we're strong, but there is something about being in a field amongst the Lupines, watching the sun come up, that brings peace. It reminded me to live for today, but enjoy the beauty of the past.