(Note: Hmmm, I just noticed my blog did not automatically post this post on December 24th as I had 'scheduled' it... sorry for making everyone wait!)
I write this post glowing with happiness but with tears in my eyes after reading the amazing submissions to the Season of Giving Challenge. While I only had 7 submissions, all 7 were amazingly heartwarming stories.
As promised I am not publicizing the full names of the family that I'll be giving the package to, and they have asked that we do not use their photos here on the blog... but here's some excerpts from the “winning” submission:
“... I met Dante and Shirley through my Church outreach and their story touched my heart. The story started almost 15 years ago when Shirley's 1st husband was killed in action while serving our country overseas. Shirley was left with with 2 wonderful children under 3 years old. ... fast forward 12 years and Shirley met and married an amazing man from her Church (Dante). He brought 2 of his own children to the marriage. Dante is also active military and was deployed about a year ago. ... This was very bad timing, as Shirley and Dante were caught up in the mortgage problems and were in danger of losing their home. Shirley did everything she could to save the house, while still raising 4 children and working a full time AND a part-time job. Unfortunately, they lost their home in October and Shirley and her 4 children are currently living in a 2-bedroom apartment while she awaits Dante's return so they can move to on-base housing.? ... I could only imagine Dante's feeling of helplessness as he serves our country halfway around the world while his wife and children are here trying to keep their lives together. ... Dante comes home in February ...”
The submission was much longer than the above excerpt but you get the picture.
This story touched me very much, mainly because these two wonderful people have always done everything right and don't DESERVE this to happen to them. Dante is off protecting our freedoms, and this happens to him and his family.
I was inspired by this story so much that I've expanded the prize: I'm going to meet Shirley before Dante's plane comes in, and do a “welcome home” photojournalistic style shoot, then once they get settled in, we'll do their official portrait session.
Thank you SO MUCH for the submissions! I wish I could give this to all of them...
Tags: Family, Las Vegas, photographer, Photography, portraits, season of giving, wedding
