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.