Wow. I really, really love this family. Their courage, their attitude & their love is inspiring. I cannot even imagine the challenges they face on a daily basis, however, one thing is for sure...they put LOVE first.
Nena had contacted me last spring about a session. We had every intention of doing the session a few various times, but Little R. has had some difficulties, so I was so excited to finally meet them and their amazing little hero! As I do sessions for the Littlest Heroes Project, the one thing that I walk away with every time is that everyone in the family is a hero! And this family was nothing short of heroic. And their love for each other was evident in everything they did. A few hours isn't enough to know all there is to know about this amazing family...but it didn't take long for me to experience their love for each other. They were so laid back & I just had a nice time with them. Meeting Little R. & his "oh so funny" older brother was awesome. Such beautiful boys! And I even met their teenage runaway dog who they had to bring along as it had run away the night before & they had to pick the dog up from the shelter. haha!
As I went through their images & chose some of my favorites, I was so deeply reminded of why I do this. Sometimes as a photographer...despite how passionate I am about it & despite how much I love it...the business aspect of photography can be long, tiring & very involved. But, when I look through images like these...it reminds me that this isn't about me. It's about using the talents & gifts that I have been given by God to serve others. To share with them how I view them. To share with them what I see when I meet them. The closeness of a family. The love of a family. The stage a family is in. I don't have to have the best camera. I don't have to have the best equipment. I don't have to have the best editing set up. It's important to some degree, yes...but it is NOT everything. As long as I know why I am doing what I do & what I want my photography to say about who I am...I can accomplish what I need to with as little or as much as I have been given at this time. It's not about me. It's about each & every person I come into contact with. It's about showing them how beautiful they are. That they are valuable. That they also have something amazing to offer this world. Sometimes, I need to be reminded of this & I need to focus on why I began being a photographer in the first place so that I never forget that it's not about me at all.
Thank you so much J. Family for allowing me to capture your amazing, beautiful family. I am so grateful to have been able to meet you all. Enjoy your preview!
To learn more about the amazing organization I am so blessed to be a part of...visit www.littlestheroesproject.org.
Little R. received this shirt as a gift with the word "SISU" on it because of it's meaning. Here is what it means...
Sisu is a Finnish term translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. The meaning is equivalent in English to "having guts", and the word derives from sisus, which means something inner or interior. Sisu has a long-term element in it; it is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain it.
And "SISU" is what this little guy has. What a perfect gift.
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