Cody + Addy’s wedding from this summer is featured on The Wedding Community!
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I have taken a lot of pictures. I have witnessed a lot of beautiful moments. I have shared tears, goosebumps and butterflies with a lot of amazing people who have allowed me to be… even welcomed me to be a part of their lives. Most have been weddings, some proposals, even births! How blessed am I to stand there in the background with my camera and watch their lives unfold? How lucky am I to be able to feel that with them?
That is why I am a photographer.
The very core of me, the very bottom of my heart knows that this is what I am just supposed to do. I can feel it. I believe there to be very few things better in life than creating artwork that is so much a piece of me, holds so much of what I feel, and then letting that into the world. Just knowing that if people feel even just a sliver of what I felt at that moment, then I have done my job.
And from time to time, I find myself in the middle of the most powerful and emotional of times. The goosebumps are different, the tears come from a different part of my heart, and there are different butterflies.
These are the times that stay with me. They change me. Teach me.
This post is about one of those times.
I have a dear friend that I met in middle school named Claudia. She is smart, and brave, and I have always admired that about her. She contacted me this month shortly after learning that her husband was killed in combat in Afghanistan. She asked if I would be able to capture his homecoming. She told me that the thought of having my images somehow gave her some peace. (The tears started here.) Never, ever have I had a better compliment.
Army Ranger, Sgt. Thomas MacPherson came home on Thursday, October 25th, Claudia’s birthday. I have never been more proud to be an American. I have never known a stronger woman/wife/mother than Claudia. I have never been more proud of anyone than I am of her. I have never seen a family bond stronger than the MacPherson’s. I have never seen such support from this community of mine. Every student, teacher, resident paraded the streets that day, American flag in hand.
Tommy is a hero. All of those men and women fighting every day for our lives and our freedom are heroes…And their families! Their families are the bravest heroes of all.
We are in a time right now when our country is divided. The elections are right around the corner, with each political party collecting members of our nation into teams of blue or red.
But how much does that really matter?
Voting is important. Caring about our nation is important. I am in no way suggesting otherwise. As much as I believe it to be important to be educated about our country, I also believe it to be even more important to stand behind the leader of our country, whoever he may be. Support him, honor him. Whoever he may be, believe that he is doing what he believes to be best for our country. Remember that we are “one nation.” There are people fighting for us every day.
Giving their lives!
Let’s remember that.
For more about Tommy, please see here.
I’m crying as I type this. Oh, Claudia, this is so powerful and beautiful. It is so sad, so very sad, but there is an incredible amount of strength in these photos that is heart-wrenchingly beautiful. What a wonderful gift for their family.
What a beautiful gift you have given this sweet family. So amazing:)
Thank you for sharing those pictures with the rest of us, that were not able to make it. I have known Didi and Troy for many years and Tommy is the same age as my son. I remember Tommy as a little boy and now he’s a hero. Although, he is gone physically, he lives in our hearts and minds and we will soon see him when Jesus comes to take all of us up to our loved ones. Am sure you and your families will raise your son to remember his father, who sacrificed so much to protect you and the rest of us. We will be praying for all of you.
Claudia-Thank you for sharing these photos with all of us. There are no words to say -that really explain just how much my heart hurts for you. Thank you for the sacrifice you made as a military wife. God Bless you.
Dear Claudia,
We have no words to share our deep sorrow for the loss of the Tommy. These pictures are beautiful and painful at the same time We loved him as a baby, a child, and a fine Man. We will never forget what an example he was to us of a great man who loved being a Ranger, demonstrated great humility and leadership with the his men, loved his family and was crazy about you and “B”.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love Nancy and Randy
Claudia, we did not have the opportunity to meet you and Tommy the times we visited our son and his wife, Kyle and Alma Trosky but when we heard the news, our hearts went out to you and your families. Kyle and Alma have shared very loving stories about you and Tommy with us. May he always live in your heart and through Brayden. We pray for your continued strength to endure the loss of your loved one. He is certainly our hero.
What a beautiful tribute. You will continue to be in our prayers. God bless you….
God bless America!
Tegyn, these are incredible!
“I’ll bear that cross with an honor, ‘Cause freedom don’t come free.”
Tommy
Claudia, you and Brayden will always be in my prayers. Your a strong woman and I admire your courage and strength. Kelly
A gift of love needs no words. Truly defined this moment. My prayers are with you Claudia and Brayden. My brother walked into heaven with a Hero.
This gave me instant chills and tears even though I didn’t know this man. He fought for my freedom and gave his life. Having this happen to my friend Jordan, makes me realize a lot more and show all respect to every soldier. Those pictures brought me back to the day Jordan was brought back from Afghanistan. Our streets looked just like that with support from the community. Heartwrenching.
My heart hurts for her, but these are wonderful
Thank you. You have a great gift for making things look natural and unposed. Really great job.