Oh Happy Day!

One of the greatest things about being a photographer is being part of special moments. I love sharing in the joy of a couple in love, the quiet moment with a precious baby, and the laughter of a happy family.

It's hard to decide what my favorite shoot is. I love each session for a different reason, but today was one of my favorites.

I've had the chance to be part of two reunions this week as families welcomed husbands home from Iraq. Both families have been apart for over 10 months and are only having a short visit before their beloved soldiers have to return to Iraq. This is a very special moment for them, full of emotion and joy.

The first family has struggled through difficult deployments, supporting friends and family alike. N. is a wonderful mother and military wife. I've seen her help numerous people through challenging times, myself included! So it was a joy to spend some time with her and her amazing boys at the airport. As I waited through the delays, I could see how excited they were to finally have their family together again. It made my day to see how happy they were. (I'm getting teary eyed again just thinking about it!)

I'll cut to the chase and show you two of my faves.

Can't you feel the excitement? Isn't it wonderful?

As wonderful as that reunion was, each and every reunion has a special moment. Today's was especially touching because I was in the same situation a few years ago. B's youngest daughter really doesn't remember her dad other than conversations on the phone and pictures. She is very shy with strangers. So it wasn't unexpected to see her cling tightly to her mom when she was introduced to her dad.

The other kids were excited and jumping everywhere. She may have been a bit overwhelmed. Mom and Dad were patient and gave her a minute to adjust. The other kids started begging Dad to check out the "woods" in the backyard. When he went with the two oldest, A. suddenly started to chase after him.... in her tiny little voice, she clearly started calling him "Daddy! Daddy!" She remembered him and wanted him to come back. (Okay, now I'm really getting weepy.)

I can't help it. There is something wonderful about seeing a family that is so happy and so excited just to be together again. Family portraits are fun and I love them, but I don't think many things can top the joy of a reunion. I have a few more in the works and I'm counting down to mine! Every one makes me so happy!