Sirens defender Allyson Simpson wrapped her arms around each parent. But when her older brother, Connor, scooted in next to mom, it pushed Simpson closer to her father.
Their toothy smiles gleamed for the camera. For this family, this photogenic moment carried added significance. Seven years ago, they wouldn’t have imagined a professional women’s hockey game would happen on NHL ice. Never fathomed Simpson’s team winning three days after Christmas on a PHWL Takeover Tour stop.
So opportunities like this, to smile as a family together, become more precious for the Simpsons as life becomes increasingly difficult for her father, James, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease more than a decade ago. The Simpsons snapped the family photo to capture this happiness, freeze it in time, so they can cherish it.
Long after they still have him to cherish.