Grace Porter Borowick turns 8!

A few weeks ago, Grace Porter Borowick turned 8, and by one of those wonderful twists of fate, I happened to be in Washington, D.C. on her birthday.

I got to celebrate with my chosen family—my two best friends, Anne and David, and their incredible girls, Grace and Maisey. Some people become family simply because life keeps proving they’re meant to be.

My gift to Grace was photographing her pool party. Watching eight-year-olds completely lost in laughter, sunshine, cannonballs, and cake is a pretty great reminder of what joy looks like.

As soon as the party wrapped up, Eric Dominijanni swooped in to pick me up, and we hit the road for Maine to continue our adventure. One unforgettable day, two completely different stories.

Happy 8th birthday, Grace. You are so deeply loved.

Ilse & Maria Elena

Ilse Maria and Maria Elena Sanchez, 65, once lawyers in Mérida, Venezuela, relocated to Miami three decades ago to be near their brother Henry. Now, they light up the faces of customers both at the local dry cleaners where they work and in the neighborhood surrounding. “We’ve lived together since we were born. It’s excellent to have your best friend beside you all the time."