It’s not about politics. It’s not about opinions. It’s not about views. It’s about sacrfice. The sacrifice that a family makes. The sacrifice made to protect a country. Your country. Our country. A sacrifice that is truly greater than words can ever describe. A family nicer than any I have ever met.
It all started with a simple conversation talking about their upcoming family session. A few simple questions. A few not-so-simple answers. Mom really wanted to get some pictures of dad with his baby girl(actually, with both his boys and their sister) but, in particular, with his daughter. Why? Dad has never met his daughter. Excuse me while I swallow the big knot that just landed in the pit of my stomach. Please…say that again. Well, it’s just that. While serving our country, he missed the birth of his daughter and consequently has never met her. As a photographer, I know that some images, particularly those involving raw emotion, can never be recreated. It can be attempted. But, never, recreated. This moment, this memory, this was something that couldn’t be missed. 
Everyone in their lives have defining moments. Those moments come when you least expect it. This was a defining moment for me. Not actually taking the pictures but when I sat down to edit them. The emotion is so powerful. So meaningful. It’s as if, the lost time was recreated. Those fleeting moments said so much to me. They changed me. They made me want to be a better person. A better photographer. To capture those raw moments everyday.
I have many favorites from that day but these 2 are my favorite. 
I love how his father in law has his arms around him and you can see the sincere love and gratitude in his face.
And this one….poor little guy was looking all over for his daddy. He kept throwing his arms up saying, “where is he” and what he didn’t realize is that he was standing right next to him. This is the first moment that he saw him. He was so happy.
“M” family. The sacrifice that you have made for our country leaves me speechless. My heart aches for your lost time. But, I know that in the weeks and months ahead, you will create new time. New memories. Those memories will take you beyond the time that you lost. It was truly an honor for me to be able to capture these moments for you.I hope that in some way, they help make up for lost time. And, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Of course, if you leave 20 comments for this family, I will do something for them. I don’t know what yet but I promise, it will be worth your comment.
by Erin
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