It looks like we are able to cross a task off our bucket list in an unexpected way again.
Number 8- Have Professional Family Photos Taken.
Pathways to Family Wellness is going to be a special magazine for our family for a number of reasons. The relationships we built with everyone working on that issue (the staff at Pathways, and also the people brought in specifically for that issue, like Lori Dorman) have been real and meaningful.
Lori came to our house in June to take photos for the Pathways to Family Wellness next issue. She stayed in our home for four hours and in that short time hit it off. By the end of the session she had agreed to come to Ethiopia with us in August.
Thanks to Pathways to Family Wellness and Lori we were able to have some amazing family photos taken.
We didn’t realize how meaningful the family photos would be, though.
Lori’s presence on our trip was helpful in so many ways. Having insight as an adult adoptee, she really looked for shots on this trip that would be meaningful to Samuel in the future. This was the first time his mothers would be meeting, something big for all of us, but really important for him to have documented in the future.
When I met Samuel’s birth mother, I brought her some snapshots and showed her family photos and videos from my phone. She was so excited to see Samuel. We discovered the internet at the Children’s Center was working and Lori suggested we go online and show her the family photos she took for Pathways to Family Wellness.
When Samuel’s birth mother saw our family photos she was overwhelmed with emotion. She kept saying in Amharic, “Thank you, my God. He looks so happy!” Over and over. She was happy before, but she got to see our family at home and Lori kept assuring her it doesn’t just look this way in the pictures, he really is happy. She kept praising God and then kissed me over and over. Those photos gave her comfort and reassurance, and it was Pathways to Family Wellness and the chain of events that followed that allowed this mother to connect and see her child, and know he was thriving.
As much as I love that Pathways revealed the normalcy of breastfeeding and attachment parenting, they did so much more for our family than furthering a single message. The people who are associated are practicing what they preach, and it is revealed in the ripple effect of their message and work.
I love these! They almost manage to capture your adorableness. All four of you! xo S
Aww thanks tongue chomper! (PS I hope you feel better!)
Your generous spirit shines through all you do. I feel blessed to have connected with you! In many ways, you have broadened my horizons.
Thank you so much Tina. I don’t think I can express accurately how much I appreciate being able to build relationships with people like you, and really broaden my own community of mothers. I admire you guys so much.
The photos of the boys under the sheets – priceless. I always say I want two (or more) kids and the look in Aram’s eyes as he grins at his brother is part of why. I adore my little sister. As adults we are so close and I couldn’t imagine life without her. You boys are beautiful and those beautiful bright eyes and smiles. Your family is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Rene! My boys are so close. I know sibling rivalry may rear it’s ugly head one of these days, but right now I am basking in the drama free loving brotherhood that is happening in our home at present time! I agree, siblings are wonderful to have!
Wow, such beautiful, powerful and loving photographs!
You can’t attempt to fake the genuine happiness in everyone’s eyes. You can feel the joy and love through the lens so clearly. These boys are in love with each other, it is so beautiful!
So, so beautiful. So real. Such an amazing opportunity to share between mothers.
This is the true meaning of loving each other as family. No jealousy, just faith, trust, love and joy that this boy is thriving.
Thank you so much for sharing your family and heart with the world, you are really making a difference in education and opening hearts.
Thank you Jamie,
With much love x
Lara, my mom randomly talks about you, just so you know! She reads my blog and the comments. Her favorite comment came from you. Your comments epitomize the and thoughtfulness and love of the women who have come together in the past few months. We both think you are great!
These are SO gorgeous. I love, love, love those crazy happy smiles on your kids and on you! So wonderful, and to be able to share that with Samuel’s birth mother. What a precious gift. Your unpretentious joy and tenderness and comfort in these images makes me melt. I’m so happy you get a chance to have this time in your family photographed. It goes by so fast.
I wish this sweet picture of you breast feeding your son had been on the cover of Time, instead of the one that was. This captures all that is beautiful and loving about breast feeding a toddler.
Oh Jamie! I love the black and white picture of your whole family. It’s just so pure and nurturing and everyone looks so happy! The story behind them giving Samuel’s birth mom even more joy is just beautiful. Thank God indeed.