Friday, August 28, 2009

Pictures Worth A Thousand Words

One of my greatest heartaches after Camille's death was the thought of taking family pictures. I was aching at the thought that I would never have a picture of my complete family. I was so grateful for the family pictures we had just taken 6 days before Camille's accident. They are priceless treasures to me. But I knew we would have more children and the thought of our next family pictures with the new addition(s) in them and no Camille ... well it was hard for me to even verbalize that thought.

I did mention that heartache once just weeks after Camille's death to my sister in law Elizabeth. (She is a photographer.) I broke down as I told her how sad I was to think I would never have a complete family picture.

Well on the one year anniversary of Camille's accident, at about the same time of day that our family forever changed, we went with Elizabeth to Balboa Park in San Diego to take our first "family pictures" with Noble. She sent me the slide show of the pictures last night late. I watched this morning and broke down again. Only this time my tears were not tears of heartache and sorrow. They were tears of gratitude and love.

I watched the slideshow and it felt... complete. It highlighted every member of our family, Camille included. I am grateful for such a beautiful family. I am grateful for the ties that bind us together beyond the realm of this mortal life. And I am grateful beyond words for Elizabeth and her hard work and talent that brought these photos to life.

38 comments:

Heather H said...

Those are beautiful!!

Diana Lesjak said...

Wow... she is talented! I love the way she weaves in black and white with color shots. Simply splendid. How special your family is... Thank you for sharing this slideshow. All the pictures are priceless, as are your 5 children! Much love...

Rach said...

Oh, Steph, I'm in tears. It's SO beautiful. You have gorgeous children--all of them.

The Robinson's said...

That was wonderful!!! Great job to Elizabeth. I love how she kept Camille in there too. Your kids are all beautiful! Thanks for sharing the awesome slideshow with all of us.

ellen said...

Wow! Wonderful photos of your family. :)

shanan said...

beautiful. i love it! great job e!

kara jayne said...

your girls smiles really light up the screen...and i noticed yours did too. you truly all looked very happy. i'm so happy for you.

Karm said...

I love these pictures...absolutely adore them. Especially the one of the girls holding Noble and the expressions on their faces as they try to soothe him. As well as all the ones with Camille's picture. That was and is such a wonderful idea. You and your husband look great too!!!

Kelly said...

BEAUTIFUL!!! So much love.

Anonymous said...

I haven't left a comment in a very long time but WOW that slideshow...the pictures, the song it was just amazing and has me in tears your whole family is beautiful just beautiful...
Ladawn

Susan Anderson said...

It's great, Stephanie. I can see why you're so pleased with it!

=)

The Baisden Family said...

You are an ispiration to me, your family is amazing and your courage is too. I came along your bolg by chance one night,in all honesty I was having a pitty party for myself at the time,I began to read your story and the story of Camille. My mood was completely changed, here I was feeling completely overwhelmed with motherhood and then I read your blog,I was reminded of how quickly things can change and I should be more greatful for what I have blessed with. My heart aches for the loss that you have had. I know that we are strangers, but you and your story have changed my life. Thank you for sharing.

Brittany said...

Your family is beautiful! I love the pictures and I love that you have a picture of Camille in them. I think that would be really hard to feel like your family pictures aren't complete. I hope you are doing well.

Sarah S. said...

Beautiful Steph! She captures the spirit of your girls and of you family.

Hoskins Family said...

Your family is so lucky to have so many talented photographers! Elizabeth did a beautiful job capturing the spirit of your family!

Angela said...

Just beautiful!

Denise said...

What a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Stephanie-I ran across your blog several months ago by accident (or fate!)and read your comments every day. I know that our lives are very different-I am 48 and retiring after 30 years in state government at the end of the year, have 1 son who just graduated from college, and a marriage that is going through a rough patch...all this said, you are an inspiration to me. Your family and friends are so very lucky to have you. My life has been enriched because of your blog.

Heywood Clan said...

Those are all so beautiful!!! You have such cute children!!! I love the family picture with Camille! Great idea!!!

Judy said...

What a beautiful job!!

Samantha said...

This is so beautiful. I love everything about all of these photos. The thing I love the most are the genuine smiles on everyone's faces even though you have all been through so much. Something for Camille to smile down from heaven about!

Chelsa said...

great pictures! what is the name of that song? i loved it!

Sue said...

Beautiful and complete family:)

Carrie said...

Amazing! Brought me to tears. Thanks for sharing!

Twinkletoes said...

Love this! Creative. Beautiful. PRICELESS!

kathryn said...

I love all of them but the one of you and jonathan near the end is so great!!!!! way to go e!

e said...

the name of the song is A Beautiful World by Tim Myers. I discovered it while watching the credits of Hotel for Dogs! how random is that? It's a great one.

glad so many like the photos. it helps to have such incredibly beautiful subjects that are so dear to my heart!

-elizabeth

Angie Larkin said...

Thanks for sharing. Great reminder to be grateful and good opportunity for a good cry!

Martha said...

e is so talented! What a beautiful treasure to have!

Unknown said...

So sweet! I love that you were able to include Camille. Your family is beautiful!

Neener said...

They are beautiful.!

Kate & Mark said...

What beautiful photos, Steph!!!

Kass said...

Your family is incredible. I am so glad you shared this sweet & gorgeous slide show. Love it!

vocalise said...

You give me hope. I loved that you included Camille, but also love that you took photos of those currently alive on earth. Loved the one of your daughter with her legs kicked up. What great family you have to gift you with such talent.

emily said...

the slideshow is beautiful, steph. love the baby announcement. love the family pic with camille. it just looks natural somehow. sending you a big hug from one frazzled mom to another! i love you!

The Gray Family said...

those pictures are fantastic. I love how the personalities of each individual kid are so clearly expressed! What a beautiful family you have (for now and FOREVER!)

Jenny M said...

That is so sweet! I cried. She is really talented. I love the idea of adding Camille in that way. I have often tried to think of how I might include Evan in our photos and my only solution I could think of was to photoshop him in! This is much more sweet and, well, realistic :)
Thanks for sharing!

Teresa said...

To know that someone else shares the same feelings is a hard blessing. To know that someone understands is to know that someone has lost. To know that I am not alone means that maybe I am not "crazy" in my thoughts.Thank you for sharing.