Sandi Bradshaw Blog | Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ Photographer

OMG Sandi, I just read this post and cried. It is so sad, and so touching, and so eloquently written. It breaks my heart. The images that go along with it are beautiful too. I just dont know what to say. In spite of what happened 27 years ago, it appears your husband overcame that huge challenge in his life and grew into a strong and loving man. You have a beautiful family and I know you cherish them all deeply.
….I’m still in tears over your post.

Sandi- Your post so moved me. Although my scenario is a bit different, my father left me 24 years ago (I was 15) by suicide. The sentiments you wrote spoke to me. I think of what he has missed not knowing my husband or my children. My husband (who has a very present mother and father and has never suffered a great loss) can not relate, he tries to comfort me, but I know he feels helpless to ease the pain of my loss. Your phrase, “I don’t pretend to understand” was so profound to me, because I am now 38 and my father was 37 when he passed. “I don’t pretend to understand” how he could leave his family, how I could ever leave mine. Thank you for your honestly and for such a touching post. You have reached across the miles with your art, but also with your heart. Thank you! Heather-Charlotte, NC

Today (next day) is MY birthday and when I read this post I cried. (Thanks for that Sandi!) My kids greeted me with hugs, kisses and hand-drawn birthday cards. Being without them would be like being without air. Cannot imagine choosing to be without air. Nothing can change the past, but we can learn from it. Our history, however painful, makes us what we are today and, if for nothing else, for that you can be grateful that this person chose to do what she did. Your children and family are beautiful, your images lovely as always. Thank you for sharing Sandi.

Wow, Sandi! That is so beautifully written. I’m glad you are blessed with such a happy family, and you are able to mark sadness with such joyous moments.

sandi, you have such a gift of expressing yourself in photos and words. i can’t wait to meet you in august at the workshop!

Sandi, your blog posting was by far the most poignant “letter” I have read. As a therapist I have learned to not judge. It is impossible for any one of us to know what experiences an individual endures that leads them to make the choices they make. As a mother it is impossible to NOT feel the hurt and sadness these children must have experienced. The blessing in this is that our present life is not dictated by our history. Your husband has defined who he is as a father and it is clear in no way does it resemble his own childhood. Praises to him for rising above! (BTW, when I met him it was clear his love and devotion to you. What a true man!!)