The Van Dyk Family

They say you should surround yourself with positive thinking people. I agree but I would like to add to this. I believe you should surround yourself with people you look up too. People that push you to become a better you. So I would like to share two stories with you.

I can remember at age 8, (grade 2, 1991) I started taking friendships very seriously. I clearly remember looking up to a girl in my class, Zanelle Grobler, whom was such an inspiration to me, she was first at athletics, academics and an artist from a young age, she inspired me. I made it my mission to become friends with her. I was her greatest fan and believed in her success. She made it so easy, and I can honestly say it was a true friendship at first sight lol! We became friends and today, 29 years later, we are still friends and I still admire her for the person she is. I don’t think she knows this, but just as I followed her around with her water bottle at the athletics games, I will still do it today!

I have many stories like this, including my friend Rensche. Although she was a bit of a bully at first (LOL) , again I decided to make it my mission to befriend her. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous and a Reese Witherspoon look-a-like ( she will definitely be cross at me for saying this) but she has such an incredible personality and she is one of the most hardworking people I have ever met. Back when we studied together, she laid the foundation for my work ethic today. I have learnt so much from her in my life and career, and I am sure she learnt a bit from me. But most of all, I admire her for the kind of friend she is. Transparent. Honest. Loving, and always, always there for you when you need her. What a privilege to be able to capture some photos of her and her beautiful family. Especially because she is one of my all time favourite photographers in the world, yes the world! So glad that after 15-years we are still friends.