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!
For more of You Capture, go here.
12 Comments
Great capture, even if you didn’t get the exact shot you wanted!
Oh Thanks to the heavens she found her little stuffie! I know what it is like to lose one of those!
OK, not being familiar with your blog I have to say that I was very overjoyed to see in the pic that Meo is a stuffed toy ;)
The New Years pics are perfect example of joy as well :)
i think they look great!
nell
shesnaps.com
Oh, these are SO Sweet and JOYful!
My oldest is TOTALLY attached to a stuffed dog that decided to “sleep over” at the zoo for a couple of nights before he remembered where he’d left it. I wish I had a pic of that reunion. Love your shot of that! : )
I think you did a great job! And oh I know about those beoved lovies!
Steph
that is PURE joy! love it, great job.
Glad there was a reunion. Not sure what we would do if we lost blankies in our house. It would be very ugly!
Great great shots!
Great capture! I’m glad she found her special lovey!
these are very nice.
I sooooo understand that! There are many times where it’s the candid shots that turn out better than the planned ones.
I LOVE your photos.
I played too…come on over.