When I read this week’s challenge was “joy” I naturally assumed I would be sharing photos of my kids. They are the very essence of joy afterall. But it wasn’t until Thursday night that I knew exactly what I needed to photograph.
I have written before about Savannah’s beloved Meo. And unfortunately, several weeks ago, Meo ended up missing. We searched everywhere. Upstairs, downstairs, basement. The yard. Called the grandparents. Left no pillow unturned.
The little stuffed lamb was nowhere to be found. From time to time she would sadly ask about her. “Mommy, do you think I’ll ever find Meo?” Those were also the nights she added Meo to her bedtime prayer, asking God to please keep her safe and bring her home soon.
Thursday night we got “the call”. Savannah’s cousin Rachael was down by the lake at Papa’s and she saw Meo lying in the dirt along the bank. When Daddy shared the phone call with her, she was so happy, she cried.
And she wanted to drive to Papa’s immediately!
Since that wasn’t possible, we promised to take her first thing Saturday morning. I tried my best to capture the reunion, but all the hugging and kissing was hiding her face and I didn’t feel like I was capturing the joy.
It’s a little disheartening as a photographer when I envision a moment and either 1. it doesn’t happen, or 2. I can’t capture it on film the way it’s portrayed in real life.
And then there are other times, when just being in the right place at the right time, brings more enjoyment and fulfillment than any planned photo shoot could dream of.
These next shots were taken on New Year’s Eve (yes, I know we are not supposed to use old photos in this challenge, but they are helping to make my point!). I happened to have my camera when the kids began acting goofy on the driveway.
To me, the picture from this week is joy, but only because I know the story behind it. The remaining photos, exude joy. No words necessary!
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