One of my favorite jobs to do is covering a soldier’s homecoming.
I’ve known this family for about a year now through the Operation Love Reunited organization; A volunteer organization of professional photographers giving their time to families of deployed soldiers. When I got the call that he was coming home, I knew that an end to a very long year for this family was finally coming to an end. The days turn to weeks and then into months and the oldest of the two boys seemed to be carrying the weight of that time away. Like his mom, he worried and as the day wore on, the happy facade began to wane to anxiety. He paced, needing his space and watching carefully in the direction he heard the soldiers might be coming. The time seemed endless to everyone, but to him, each time he heard “it’ll be soon” or “Daddy’s on his way” was becoming more and more worrying. The hours stretched out as the crowds were trying to be patient. The youngest felt the tension too.
As I looked about the crowd I realized that many of these very young children will be meeting their father for the first time. I saw mothers and fathers and brothers, uncles, sisters, and cousins. Every single one of those people have sacrificed a little bit of themselves when their soldier left. They stayed behind. They held up the fort. They carried on with the life these soldiers could come home to. In those hours they were all brought together for one reason; To set their eyes on their soldier. To know she was home safe.
This homecoming was the end of many soldier’s commitment to the Military. Some will go back. No one thought about that that day. No one complained about waiting in the heat. None of that mattered, as long as they could hold their soldier in their arms once again.
The wait was hard but we were reminded that war is harder and that some did not come home that day. “We find a way to be grateful that it was not one of our own,” I heard one woman say to another.
To all the families and soldiers who served with dignity, I salute you. To this beautiful family, thank you for letting me be a part of your story this past year. I am deeply touched by you all and feel blessed for knowing you.
Welcome home, Soldier!
Shari DeAngelo Photography | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer & Lifestyles Photography | Fine Art, Fashion, Lifestyles and Wedding Photographer located in Haddonfield, NJ and Philadelphia PA. Local and Destination services available.
Tags: Family, Ft Dix, Haddonfield, Homecoming, Lifestyles, lifestyles photography, NJ, NJ Wedding Photographer, OpLove, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Lifestyles Photographer, Philadelphia Wedding Photographer, photographers, Shari DeAngelo, Soldier, Weddings
I love these photos. They bring out so many feelings. What an honor to have seen them. Thank you for sharing.
These are so special, Shari. What an amazing gift you’ve given this family. Lovely work.
Very touching story and photographs.
What amazing expressions you captured. Such a great story!
What a great day to have captured. Nice job!
Very emotional shots. I love seeing interaction of children and parents in situations like these.
Beautiful story, and beautiful images to tell that story.
So Exciting, Shari!
Great work! So many special moments captured, so beautifully. Very special
Wow.. lots of emotions! thanks for sharing!
What an absolutely great post. Thanks for sharing, volunteering and capturing some very special moments.
A beautiful story and images. What a special gift you are giving by volunteering you time to these families.
Tears in my eyes right now. Moving words to go along with the perfect images. Well captured, Shari, well captured.
Very touching – great work
such raw emotion. seriously great!
How TOUCHING is that? To witness? Those images pull you right into the feelings of everyone there.
Superb!! xo, Tomme
Such amazing and emotional pictures. Excellent job!