Paying it Forward
Every now and then I am reminded of the real importance of what I do for families with my camera. It's not just about creating beautiful pictures to hang on your walls and decorate your home. Photographs are a record of your family history and a permanent reminder of the love and the experiences you share together. They can be a great comfort to families who are forced to be apart, a way to travel back to a time when the family was all together, and feel connected again.
I live in an area with many military families and I see them face the challenges of deployment to the Middle East with such courage. Wives who don't see their husbands for months on end, children who miss their fathers and fathers who miss out on seeing their children grow and even sometimes being born. They make these sacrifices for all of us, to keep us safe and to protect our way of life. I am humbled by that and ever so appreciative.
So when I heard that a fellow photographer, Nicole from Hush Photography, was facing a 6 month deployment of her sailor husband to the Gulf and wanted to record the memories of the day his ship sailed, I jumped at the chance to give something back. I am in awe of the strength of this family of five and of the maturity shown by a beautiful 4 year old boy, so sad to see his daddy sail away. It broke my heart to see his bottom lip drop as he tried to be brave and I can only imagine how hard it would have been for Nicole, dealing with her own grief as well.
If your family, or a Sydney based family you know, is facing a military deployment and you think they would be comforted by complimentary photographs, please get in touch with me. I would love to continue to give back all I can.
I'll let the images speak for themselves and give you all just a taste of the emotions of the day. I must warn you that tissues may be required.
Nicole, I have so much respect for you! Don't ever forget how amazing you are. I'm counting down the days with you and I can't wait to be on that wharf beside you in March when we'll all be celebrating his return x
10 comments:
How beautiful i got goosebumps looking at the images What a wonderful gift to give
Words cannot express how much we will miss him, how hard some days will be and how much we will wish to fast forward time but Lyn, my friend, your precious gift of these images will help us to bridge the gap of sadness and bring us hope to that day when we will meet with you again on this same wharf to welcome him home. These images bring us as much pride as they do comfort. Thank you so deeply...and for your beautiful heart. There needs to be more people in the world like you! Xx
Yes I have tears...
What a beautiful gift this is Lyn - I can't imagine how these families do it - such bravery, dedication and determination.
I too, cannot wait for you to capture the happy return. I want to see that little boy when he sets eyes on his Daddy come March! xx
That third-last image...oh Lyn, so heartbreaking.
Our thoughts are with him and you Nicole. xxx
This is such a beautiful and special set of images. What an amazing thing to do for them - I'm sure they are treasured. xx
Oh Lyn - I am in floods of tears. What a special, special family. How amazing to capture this moment of heartbreak and pride. You definitely need to capture the return as well!!
Kim xx
Oh my word they are gorgeous and moving images. Praying for a safe and quick return home and look forward to seeing some returning images xoxo
Oh wow, that was really hard to look through. Bless you Lyn for capturing such beautiful and difficult, but no less precious, memories for Nicole's family. I am so appreciative of what our defence forces give up for their countrymen.
Lyn, I have tears running down my face. These are beyond words
He is home now, and yet I am still crying! Nic, wow. I cannot put myself in your shoes how hard this must have been... and Lyn, amazing images... xx
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