I am having a hard time finding words to adequately express what this session meant to me. A beautiful family, gorgeous happy children … just like so many of my clients. But this family holds a place in my heart, even though I’d never met them before this shoot. They are the recipient’s of last year’s Giving is Awesome initiative. You can read more of their story here. We opted to wait for Spring to capture their family portraits, and I was so thankful for a beautiful, warm evening for their session. This was the day the Lord made.
I’ve thought a great deal about Jen, her young sons, and the husband and father they miss so much. I’ve thought about their legacy. Though I never met him, from what I’ve heard and seen, Michael left a legacy that will touch countless people in this generation and more. Through his work at our church, and through his life as a friend, son, husband, and father, he left a mark upon the Earth, one of courage, devotion, hope, and humility. God had great purpose for Michael, a purpose he fulfilled with love and glory for his Savior.
And now having met Jen and gotten to know her just a bit through our portrait session together, I admire her even more than I did before. I am so inspired by the legacy she is creating. I have seen the love which she showers upon her sons, surrounding them with security and warmth. I have seen the faith she has shown through this past year, though I know there must be days when it is so difficult.
I had two personal goals for our session together. First and foremost, I wanted to capture the joy and bond that Jen shares with her children, with images that she and the boys can cherish for a lifetime to come. I hope the boys will enjoy looking back at these photographs when they are grown and fathers themselves. I also wanted to include some memories of Michael, to show his enduring presence in their lives. For that purpose, Jen brought along a stuffed dog from Michael’s childhood, a Starting Point Bible (published by our church, a project in which Michael played a key role), and a photograph of him.
I admit, I cried a lot of tears as I edited this session, and I also said a lot of prayers. I’ve thanked God for introducing me to this incredible family, for the lessons they’ve taught me, for the faith with which they have inspired me. I’ve thanked him for the sweet smiles of these two boys, in which I can see the legacy they are inheriting from their mother and father. I hope our paths might cross often in the future. I know, regardless, I will be forever blessed having met them.
Much love to you, Jen, Kaleb, and Noah. Thank you for being you. May God forever surround you with peace, strength, and his eternal love.
