And we all know good friends are hard to find.

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.

This family was so much fun. Although the pictures I selected to highlight here have a bit more of a serious connotation to them, the entire day was not so. Gotta love a mom who teaches her son how to do a WWF headlock (with sound effects). I even learned a thing or two from her. I’ll apologize in advance to my husband if I feel the urge to practice some.

Without further adieu…

Shari DeAngelo | Philadelphia Wedding  Photographer | Lifestyles Photography | Fine Art, Fashion, Lifestyles  and Wedding Photographer located in Haddonfield, NJ and Philadelphia PA.  Local and Destination services available.

The image toward the bottom of the young man carrying his sister on his back deserves a note. She was rolling and having a great time with the others but suddenly she had a tough time breathing. Without missing a beat, this amazing kid swept up his little sister on his back and ran her all the way home so she could get her treatment. He’s 13.

Have I mentioned yet that I just love this family? I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed them and our day together. The next time I’ll see them will be when the missing member of this family returns home from Iraq. He’s serving as an Army Combat Medic. Can’t wait!!

  Shari DeAngelo | Philadelphia Wedding  Photographer | Lifestyles Photography | Fine Art, Fashion, Lifestyles  and Wedding Photographer located in Haddonfield, NJ and Philadelphia PA.  Local and Destination services available.

It’s these moments that remind me of what is important in my own life and just how much each of these families sacrifice for us.  I am in awe of their strength and deeply honored to be a part of their lives.

Here’s a select few….

In an effort to keep up and honor my OpLove Families, I wanted to share with you a few images from a session I did last week. Admittedly I have a soft spot for kids but man… these kids… They do funky fun like no one’s business! Seriously cute kids and a wonderful family.

Many thanks to Kim, Emma, Hanna, Joshua and Caleb for the delicious candy and fabulous time! I really cannot wait until we all meet again… Yay! Homecomings!!!!

About a year ago I volunteered to be a part of Operation: Love Reunited. Photographers from all over the country participate by offering services to families of deployed or deploying soldiers. It’s our little way of making the years and the miles just a little closer together.

Last weekend I met a family who made me both cry a little and laugh a lot. I cannot begin to tell you how touched I am by their story or by how they allowed me to be a part of it for a day.

A soldier, a husband and father of 4 said “goodbye” again last summer to his family as he went back to Iraq to serve for the NJ National Guard for another tour. He won’t see them until next summer. “Maybe June.” The oldest daughter is 21 and she’ll be shipping out to yet another war zone, herself, very soon. This is a tender time in this family’s life: A balancing act of humor, honor, good will and courage. They do it with such grace but they do not hide themselves behind pretense. This is tough times and they’ve each learned to get through it together.

The images are a selection from our session together. I feel truly blessed for getting to know them.

My favorite part will be when they come home though.