My partner and I did an impromptu maternity shoot at sunset just after our arrival in Sesriem Canyon last night.

We made the four hour journey from the coastal town of Swakopmund to Sossusvlei yesterday, passing through Namib-Naukluft National Park. This gravel road winds like a roller coaster through canyons and plains, gorgeous terrain but dangerous. Today two cars just ahead of us met in a head on collision. One car was over taking another on a hill with no visibility and crashed into a family and their guide. Unfortunately for the overtakers this was a fatal mistake. Thankfully the family lived.

I don’t know much about the two that passed away but they seemed to be a married couple about the same age as us. I can’t help but think « It could’ve been us. » If we hadn’t stopped at that canyon to snap a photo, if we hadn’t visited that cave for a few short moments, it could have been us.

I am sad that these two will not enjoy one last sunset over New Year’s Eve dinner, as we did. I am sad that they will not get to wrap their arms around each other, as we have this evening. I am so incredibly grateful that we will live another day, to watch our child grow inside me, and god willing, we will get to see that child born in just a few short months.

Tonight I will bring in the new year with this sadness in my heart for the two who have left this world, and I will hold my partner in my arms, and feel our baby kick, and be eternally grateful that it wasn’t us.

I will bring in this new year with a profound respect for life and gratitude that I get to live to see another year come in.

Magic 1/365, Antonio Martinez, Hoodia Désert Lodge, Sossusvlei, Namibia