Mia Chard has shared with PEOPLE how a heartfelt tradition initiated after her father’s passing has not only kept his memory alive but also shaped her encounter with grief. Following her father’s death in 2018, Mia, 43, found solace in bringing his beloved 1979 film camera to significant family events, creating a connection that transcends his absence.
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Before his death, Mia and her father shared many profound moments, particularly during his battle with liver disease. Those final conversations were deeply insightful and helped her reflect on their strong bond. “I asked him if he was afraid to die,” she recalled. “He told me he wasn’t afraid of dying, but he would be sad because he would miss us.” Such reflections underscored the lessons of kindness, compassion, and service that Mia’s parents instilled in her throughout her life.
Each milestone, whether it be birthdays, holidays, or other family gatherings, became an occasion for Mia to carry her father’s camera. Although she didn’t always use it for photography, having it close by allowed her to feel that he was still part of those moments. “It was my way of having him with me,” she explained, reinforcing the significance of emotional and symbolic connections when faced with loss.
Mia’s tradition extended into her wedding day, where she integrated her father’s presence by tying his wedding band onto her bouquet. This poignant gesture allowed her to have a piece of him close at such a significant time in her life. After the nuptials, Mia was fascinated to discover that the film contained double-exposed images of her brother’s graduation from 1999 layered with the new wedding photographs. Excited by this find, she shared her experience on TikTok, where it quickly gained traction among viewers.
The response Mia received was overwhelming, with many individuals sharing their personal experiences of loss in the comments. Rather than focusing on the technicalities of how double exposure occurred, people opened up about their own loved ones and the traditions they had formed to honour their memories. This exchange offered Mia a sense of community, highlighting that grief is a universal experience.
In reflecting on this shared vulnerability, Mia remarked, “I hope others can see just how connected we all are as human beings. I hope they feel their own lost loved ones near and look for ways to remember them.” Her experience illuminated the fact that healing can emerge from communal support, reminding everyone that love endures, despite the physical absence of those we cherish.
Years after she first began to carry her father’s camera, Mia continues to do so during significant life events, illustrating that the tradition is not about filling the void left by her father but about preserving his memory in her ongoing journey. “Love and loss are intertwined,” she articulated. “The more deeply we love someone, the more deeply we grieve them.”
Mia Chard’s journey reflects a poignant reminder of the enduring connections we maintain with those who have passed away, underscoring the importance of remembering loved ones in our everyday lives. Through her father’s camera, Mia has crafted a lasting tribute, allowing her to navigate the complexities of love and loss in life’s biggest moments.