At that time I had recently done a session for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep as well as the portrait session for the Sheffers. Then I got Gloria’s email. As I was thinking about these three families, I was convinced God was leading me to use my gift as a photographer to bless others by doing special portrait sessions like this.

Despite the busy holiday season and having to postpone our session due to the crazy snow storm I got to meet Gloria’s grandmother. What a lady. I love her. She was full of joy and energy. I couldn’t believe her when she told me she was 90 yrs. old. She said it was by  God’s grace that she’s been healthy so far and had a blessed life. I came back encouraged by her strong faith in God and joyful smile and laugh!

Thank you Gloria for the opportunity to meet your family.

Meet Gloria’s grandma and her daughters. Some were visiting from out of town from Korea and Germany.

Related post:
The Sheffer Family : Celebrating Life

When it was time to do another annual family shoot for a dear friend of mine, this year was a little different. Not only did they have an addition to their family, but grandma and grandpa were going to join in.

Earlier this year my friend Erik’s mother, Mrs. Sheffer was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This came as a surprise to all because Mrs. Sheffer is full of energy, exercises daily and lives a healthy lifestyle. But because of the size and the seriousness of the tumor her immediate future was uncertain. I am glad to say that after a successful surgery the tumor has been removed and she is back on her feet again. I believe a routine check up is still necessary but she’s praising God for extending her life on this earth.

The most encouraging part that I kept hearing from Erik throughout the whole process was that never did she once complain or curse God during the times of uncertainty or pain. Whether God was going to take her life or extend it, she was at peace knowing that God was in control of her life and not her.

This was a sober reminder to me that God is in control of my life, and He is the one who gives all of us life in the first place. Think about this. Who’s making my heartbeat right now? I’m not making it beat. Amazing! I don’t even have to think about it and the blood is pumping. I am grateful to God for giving me the gift of life.

This is the reason why I even volunteer for a charity called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. Some babies don’t get to live more than a few hours after they’ve been born. But they are still loved by God and their parents. Because of my gratefulness to God for giving me breath and life and the privilege of being a photographer, I do it. It’s not easy to do but it’s a joy for me to take photos that people will cherish.

It was a joy meeting Mrs. Sheffer and capturing a day in the Sheffers’ life. Mr. and Mrs. Sheffer often come to babysit and play with the grandchildren. So for this family shoot I was there to capture just that. The grandchildren play with grandma and grandpa in the backyard, they read books together and enjoy each other’s company at home.

Just like you and me, Mrs. Sheffer doesn’t know how much time she has left on this earth but she’s cherishing every moment.

I’m not sure how you’ll receive this post but hey, my goal is to always capture genuine moments. Know what I’m sayin?

Hannah, David, their dog Yunie and I had a fun little time at a park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Watching them interact with Yunie was no different than parents interacting with their child. It reminded me how dog lovers always say, their dog is part of their family. And it’s true. Yunie is definitely Hannah and David’s little baby and what baby doesn’t lick their daddy in the mouth?

Thanks David for being a good sport and letting me post this;) If any of you are turned off or offended by this in any way, I apologize in advance.

Related posts: more Family sessions by Peter Bang

I had a fun session with Lily and her mom, Viet at Brookside Gardens. Lily already goes to this park often so she felt right at home and was full of energy running around everywhere. I really felt like a sports photographer shooting a track and field event:)

Related posts: more Family sessions by Peter Bang