Family Pictures

Five months before my husband passed away, we had family pictures taken. Because he had been sick, it was something we hadn’t done in years. With our oldest in college, we knew we needed to get this done before she flew the nest, making it harder to coordinate schedules for family photos.

Family photo sessions can be stressful. In fact, I can’t remember a session when I didn’t break a sweat trying to coordinate outfits and find a time when little ones weren’t cranky. But, finally, we scheduled an appointment and decided on an outdoor location. We prayed the fall leaves would be in full color for extra amazing shots.

Although the kids were now old enough to not melt down during a photo session, the shoot was not without its challenges. But we made it!

Our photographer, Wendy Sorensen, made the experience easy, fun and relaxing. We often didn’t even notice when she was snapping the pictures. We were thrilled with the results!

At the time of our session, we knew my husband’s health was in decline, but there was no reason to expect he would not be with us a few short months later. I suppose with every photo session, the uncertainty of life is in the back of my mind. That’s partly why we capture life in photography. We want to freeze the moment forever so we never forget that time. We want to hold the toothless smiles of a first grader, the awkwardness of braces and all the small things that often disappear with the passing of time so our minds and our hearts will never forget. We want generations to come to know we lived, to see we loved, and to be able to trace their lives back to us.

On the October day of our photo shoot, I didn’t know these would be the last photos of my family of five. I can’t tell you how important these photos are to me now. I’m beyond grateful we made that photo session happen, even though it would’ve been so easy to keep putting it off. Now, I look at the photo wall I’ve arranged in our family room and am immediately taken back to that day. I see the smile on my husbands face and remember his voice, his touch, and his laughter. I remember how happy our family was. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I’d add it’s worth a thousand emotions and a thousand memories as well.

Today, three years since our last family photo, I’m faced with a new challenge. I know it’s time to capture my family again through new photos. It’s hard to visually see only four of us in the shot now, but I know it must be done. Although our last family photos are so important, capturing where we are now is too.

The next photos will show new haircuts, new fashion trends and taller children. They will capture new emotions and new memories. But they will also represent strength. They will show we are still able to smile. They will symbolize a family who is persevering.

Although my husband won’t be in these next photos, and that will be beyond difficult, I know now even more than before, how important it is to take the time and spend the money to record life via photography.

When I see our smaller family looking back at me from a frame, I’ll think of my husband. I’ll know that he’d be so proud of us. Even though he won’t be pictured, I will still see him. I’ll see him in the eyes of our growing children. I’ll recall his laughter when I look at my children’s smiles. And I’ll remember his voice and feel his love for us as I hang a new chapter of life on our family room wall.

Extra Grace,

Jodi