Over at I Heart Faces, the theme for the week is “random acts of kindness.” They mentioned Littlest Heroes Project and asked about the ways photographers, professional and hobbiests, have used their talents to help people in need.
I was thrilled to see the Littlest Heroes Project given a shout out in the post. I’m so proud to be a part of this organization that gives sessions to children with special needs. I joined the organization this year in honor of two special little boys:
Jordan, my five year old brother with Down Syndrome
and Bryson, my almost four year old nephew, born with congentital heart defects.
Through the Littlest Heroes Project, I’ve met two wonderful kids and their families:
I also volunteer my services with Operation: Love Reunited. OpLove offers military families facing deployment two photo sessions. One session takes place before or during the deployment and sends an album overseas to the deployed military member. The other session -the real tear jerker- is the homecoming session. It should be no surprise why this organization means so much to me. As an army wife, I’ve supported my husband through two year-long deployments to Iraq. The first deployment ending shortly before our first son’s arrival. The second deployment beginning just before his first birthday (pictured below).
(photo by Stephanie Ziemitz)
Before I joined OpLove, I volunteered to shoot one military homecoming and even though I was up way past my bedtime, I’m so thankful to have done it. It’s simply amazing getting to see a family reunited.
After I settled in NC, I was able to officially join OpLove. Since the Triad doesn’t have a lot of military, I was excited to get my first email. Then meeting another military wife was like meeting a long lost sister. There’s an understanding there that the civilian world doesn’t understand.
Next week, I’ll meet another military family. This time it’ll be the whole family enjoying Dad’s midtour leave here in Kernersville. They’re flying in from their base overseas so I hope they get time to relax and unwind before the session. I can’t wait to meet them.
I’m so thankful for what both charities do and the experiences they’ve given to me. I hope the families I’ve met feel the same way.
