A family reunion ... that wasn't mine

Every so often, I do a photo shoot that warms my heart and secures a place in my memory.

Such was the case this weekend.

I had the pleasure of spending most of the day with one family, photographing individual families, couples, children, grandchildren, godchildren, really, just a whole bunch of love.

From the minute I walked into the crowd of thirty (which then became 80), I felt like family.

My husband is from a large family, so I appreciate large-family dynamics and the special bond amongst cousins. It is beautiful to watch adult siblings get together, be goofy with one another and enjoy these fleeting moments hearkening back to long, carefree childhood days spent side by side.

This gathering was no different – the family has planted seeds and rooted itself all over the world, actually. While the siblings had not been together in the same place for five years or so, that love and friendship that one can find only with brothers and sisters was present – and I was able to capture some of those moments this weekend.

Very soon, each will be back in his or her respective states. One will be deployed. Several will head to college. Kids will be back to school. Life will go back to normal, but the memories made for this beautiful family – together in one place – will live on.

I was overwhelmed with emotion as I left. One sibling and his wife have been especially dear friends of ours. After they moved away, our lives very rarely intersect in person, but, when either of them is in the area, they routinely make it a point to spend time with my family. I am blessed beyond belief to have them in my life. To have met all of the incredible brothers, sisters, in-laws, parents and nieces and nephews and to be able to put faces with names was so extraordinarily special for me. I loved every conversation I had. Through my lens, I watched this family and the gentle kindness that is present within each of them – they are remarkable people, every one of them.

They affect change in others. They minister to others. They live lives of service. They are beautiful.

When I hugged them and walked away, I felt as though I were saying goodbye to family that I have known forever. But my heart was heaviest knowing that my dear friends would once again be hundreds of miles away … living a life they were destined to lead.

~Wishing all of you safe travels!