✨ Be an Aimee ✨

Sometimes, people enter your life in ways you don’t fully understand until years later. That was the case when I “met” Aimee during the COVID years. We connected over something as simple — yet as joyful — as selling a fun product to pass the time, something that kept life colorful and interesting during those unusual days. Our nails had never been prettier, and we laughed, shared stories, and connected in a way that felt easy and genuine.

Fast forward to a few years later, when I received her email about wanting to do a beach session while I was in Destin. I was thrilled to meet her face-to-face, finally, and capture some memories with her and her family. The session was a joy. Her teenage kiddos were amazing — fun, kind, and full of personality. I even got to meet her best friend and her family, and it was immediately clear how loved and cherished Aimee was by everyone around her. That day at the beach was filled with laughter, connection, and beautiful light — both literally and figuratively.

Then, just four days later, I woke up to devastating news. Aimee and her children had been in a horrible car accident while still on vacation, and she had passed away. I was speechless, heartbroken, and overwhelmed with grief. Aimee had been such a happy person, a loving mom, an adorable wife, and a friend who made life brighter simply by being herself. To lose her so suddenly felt surreal, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the joy she had brought to everyone who knew her.

A few weeks later, I attended her memorial service with a friend who also knew her. Listening to her children speak about their mom and her brother share his memories, I was struck by the simple, yet profound, phrase he coined: “Be an Aimee.” Noun. Verb. Adjective. That’s all it takes. To “Be an Aimee” means to embody everything she was: loving, kind, giving, thoughtful, compassionate, inspiring, genuine, and resourceful. It’s a way of living that reminds you to approach the world with openness, generosity, and heart.

Meeting Aimee, even for a short time, changed me. She made me a better person just by being herself. I will always remember the laughter, the kindness, and the joy she brought into the world. To honor her life is simple: Be an Aimee. Let her spirit inspire you to live fully, love deeply, and spread kindness wherever you go. I am forever grateful to have known her.

Thank you, Aimee. Your light will never be forgotten.

With love,
Chunky Monkey Photography. Capturing moments, creating memories.