I’ve been wanting to share this session for so many reasons, not the least of which because I had such a blast with them during this shoot and loved that the kids are so comfortable around me. I could tell they had as much fun as I did 🙂 You’ve likely seen these folks around my old blog, they ‘ve been clients of mine since that cute little news boy was a tinsy winsy newborn. I recently took a fairly extensive trip down memory lane that made me realize how fast these past 5 years have gone by. It’s been incredible to watch these kiddos grow over the last few years.

They remind me so much of my own big sister/little brother duo and when I watch these two, their love for each other is just oozing out. It warms my heart to see siblings that genuinely love each other. Not just for the camera or because I asked them to, because they feel like it. That’s what my two do too and we hear lots of comments how rare this is, so much that I’ve started to think it really is an anomaly. A good one for sure. And one I don’t take for granted. These two though are proof that sibling love is real. It’s so fun to watch them together. Seriously, cuteness overload!

And that trip down memory lane I was referring to, it has a bit of a sad story behind it. No more than 5 days after our session, this beautiful family lost their home to a fire and with it everything in it. I was so incredibly saddened and shocked when I heard this. I cannot fathom coming home to a house in ashes. All the things that are not replaceable, pictures, kids art, family heirlooms, things you’ve collected and brought home from travels, kids lovies and keepsakes,  you want to hold on to… all gone. In the last few weeks, neighbors, family and a whole community has pulled together to support them in whichever way possible.

Their story is a very humbling reminder for all of us:

That this could happen to anyone.

That things are just things. No more. No less.

That the people that love and support each other and selflessly help in difficult times are what matters most. It takes a village.

That being surrounded by loved ones gives them the strength to get back up and start the rebuilding process.

That FAMILY is EVERYTHING.

I’ve come away from this knowing that as long as you have your loved ones around you, you can always restart, no matter where or how. They are lucky in the sense that no one got hurt, even their beloved dog was rescued. And they now get to feel the love that surrounded them all along.  Experiencing that must be incredibly uplifting, even when the road to rebuild their life and home is still long and difficult.  I know they’ll get there, stronger and more connected than they were before.