January Deployment 2017

If I had to name this particular photo shoot, I would call it "Perspective."


When I kissed my husband goodbye this morning, I had the promise that he would come home promptly at 5pm. He will play with my daughter after a long day at work. He will help with the dishes after dinner. He will help put our daughter to bed. He will snuggle up with me on the couch to watch TV. He will wake up by my side the next morning and repeat...

Yesterday, several spouses, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends came to see their soldiers off.
Moments like this, watching these families and friends give their last hugs, last kisses, one more inhale-and-remember-their-smell kinda hug, and one more make-it-last kiss, really can put our day-to-day in perspective. I was reminded many times yesterday to be grateful for what I have and to be grateful for the many brave men and women who are fighting to protect my country every single day. I was reminded that beyond this deployment day, these families will continue to hurt, to worry about, to miss, and to pray for their soldiers.

To the soldiers and their families and friends,
Thank you for allowing me to capture these most precious moments. It truly was an honor.
I hope I did you proud.