As a man in uniform announced the homecoming of a group of soldiers, the entire auditorium of people rose to feet, and the room filled with clapping, whistling, screaming and love. I instantly got goosebumps and a feeling of pure pride. I had only met one of these soldiers, but I felt like I knew and loved all of them. I couldn't help but think about all the freedom these men risked their lives for, and all the families I was surrounded by that had gone to bed at night wondering where their son was, or if their husband survived an attack. It was a room full of heros, uniformed or not.
We donated our travel and time for this event. It is the kind of thing that makes me inspired, and makes me think 'This is why I do what I do." When I found out that our client's husband was coming home, we couldn't help but offer. Yes, we spent money on gas, and yes, we spent a few hours, but what we got in return was better than money.
I thought I'd share a few images from this Family's first session with us, 3 days before Daddy headed overseas. Riley was just about a week old, and I was SO happy to be able to give them this gift, as Daddy wouldn't see his baby girl for 4 months after.
This last image just breaks my heart; it's like she knew her Daddy was leaving, and he knew how much he'd miss her.
Shortly after Daddy left, there was a suicide bomber on his FOB leaving casualties. No names were given out, and no one knew who had survived, and who had not. My husband and I sat at home in awe of the strength of this family. It was a few days until they found out that their son, husband, brother was okay. I jumped out of my chair and ran to tell Tyler the second I found out he was alright. These are the things families with men/women in the military go through all the time. This event made me realize just how strong those families are, and how important they are to our country as well.
Now here are some images from the first time this soldier saw his baby daughter after four long months of fighting for his life and the life of everyone we know.
 |
| The first time he held her, seconds after seeing his wife and daughter for the first time. |
 |
| Sharing his perfect little girl with friends. He was so proud, pointing her out to everyone. |
 |
| So proud. |
 |
| The first time he saw his baby smile. |
 |
| Taking a family photo, he couldn't take his eyes off her. |
 |
| So happy to finally see her Daddy. |
This was a once in a life-time experience for us. It meant so much to me, personally, and taught me so much about life, love, sacrifice and strength. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of it, and your lives. This is a perfect example of the type of relationships we like to have with our clients. We don't just want you to stop by and get your picture taken, we want to hear about, photograph and tell the story of your life.
I'll leave you with the facebook post we read this morning after Daddy's first day with his baby girl.
"It's like they have been best friends forever. She laughs and laughs, he gets way more smiles than I do :)"
-Jess
