PDX crew | Bremerton

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing, and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” -Henri J.M. NouwenLaura has always been a dear friend of mine, we met in a Psychology class almost 15 years ago (really...has it been that long??).  When she called me with her vision of what she wanted for this session I was so excited.   She and her family moved to Portland 6 or 7 years ago, both her and he’s family remained in Washington.  Laura and her husband, Nate, got involved at their church Imago Dei and joined one of the "home groups" there.  There were three different families involved in this group...and a community was birthed. Laura didn't just want family portraits "done"...she wanted images that captured the life that has seeped into the cracks of their world.  When I think back on that day I am filled with the warmth of the laughter of the Moms as they rolled their eyes at the silliness of the Dads as they teased their kiddos and chased them around the yard.   It was a crazy, damp, silly time for all 13 people involved...I wouldn't have traded it for anything.  I hope you can see the care and affection this family has for each other as they share life together.