I finished up Stephen’s Senior Session.  He seemed more into it this time around.

Maybe this picture taking thing wasn’t so bad…

And…I get to kick a soccer ball around!

And…make my sister get in the pictures too…

 

I had so much fun with these two.  I have seen them grow up.  I see now a bond between brother and sister that touched my heart.

They share the same love of music-and they shared it with me.  I could have taken their pictures all day if they would have just kept playing!

 

This is one favorite of mine…I think because I know what this picture is going to mean to both of them as the years pass…and they will pass…but this picture- is this moment.

 

Then I had to get some pictures of just Charis…so beautiful.  She has such a gentle way about her.  She has the grace and beauty of her mother. She will appreciate that some day.

I also had the chance to be a bit creative with her.  Her mother had seen a picture done with a violin and I did my best to recreate what was in her head.  I loved the result.  I am not exactly sure if this is what she had in mind-but I love this picture!

Then we had planned to do a family picture.  Just a few shots maybe for a Christmas card.  When Sandy told me this was their first “family” picture since Andrew had gone to heaven almost 4 years ago–I was very glad to have my camera there to hide.  I don’t share grief well. It seems like such a private emotion.  I missed Andrew-taking these pictures with this family-and he was missing.  I couldn’t imagine if I missed him just taking these pictures without him in them-without him giving a silly grin and calling Catie-“Catie Loo”–how much more did they miss him every single moment-every single day-every single month-every single year-every joy-every holiday-every click of the clock…but Grace takes over.  God gives just what is needed at every moment.  Can I share in that grief-no-I have my own-but I can rejoice with a family that lives with God’s Grace and Hope everyday.  They will see Andrew again-we are here on this earth but just a moment-and then eternity together with all those who call the Name of Christ.  Thank you Smith Family::For reminding me what Grace really means.  That word is tossed around so much that I feel like so many have lost its meaning and it becomes just talk–but when you see a family really experience the comfort and love from such a heart-wretching moment in their lives–God reminded me–GRACE–it is AMAZING!