Have you ever had a Divine appointment . . where you just knew there was no coincidence about it? That you were brought to that very place, at that very minute for a very special reason? Well, I had one today while photographing a Senior client of mine. We just finished up and were walking back to the parking lot when I saw the absolute cutest family ever! They were all dressed for a photo shoot but I noticed the father was taking photos with his Iphone! (Oh may it never be!! Lol) So, I offered to take a few photos of them with my professional camera and lens. Noticing they had balloons with them, we asked if they wanted to put those in the picture as well. That is when I heard the story and the reason they were at the park that day. As Rachel, the Mother, began to share with me that they lost their precious daughter years ago, and to honor her memory and her life they come to the park for family photos each year on Oct. 18th! They take photos of their family and then release the balloons in her honor! They also ask their friends and family, to do something kind for someone else each year on Oct. 18th to bring joy out of tragedy, that maybe her precious life can live on through kindness! . . Rachel said, "We named our daughter Graceson Peace because while in the hospital giving birth, I prayed and said the verse over and over again..."and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. When I delivered her, I held her and we prayed for grace and peace to fill our lives." So, they've named this park Graceson Peace Park! I can see that God has given them the peace they prayed for, and the love for others. This loss will be replaced with far reaching goodness!! From now on, this park will always be Graceson Peace park to me as well and I will retell this story to each client I photograph there so we can spread the kindness each year on Oct. 18th to touch as many lives as possible! I will also say a prayer for this family each time I visit Graceson Peace Park, that God will continue to bless this sweet family and wrap His arms of comfort and peace around them!!
