A Miracle in the Making

Have you ever had a thought or an idea that just keeps knocking on the door of your heart? Perhaps a thought not yet fully formulated; like a puzzle with missing pieces. I had one recently. It was a simple idea that hung around for a few weeks before realizing how to pursue it.

The idea sparked after I attended the annual Soulumination photographer’s banquette up in Seattle in February. They are an amazing non-profit based in Seattle but expanding to the Tacoma area and are in need of photographers to join their team. After learning of their mission a couple months ago, I was inspired to jump on board. Soulumination serves families with children facing life-threatening conditions and families with terminally-ill parents who have children ages 18 and younger. The gift of photography is one way we get to honor families and Soulumination is a platform I’m thankful to be part of.

About a month after the banquette I was sitting in my car waiting to pick up my son from school and that thought came knocking again. I was reminded of our friends, the Allen family, who are facing difficult circumstances. I’ve been praying for them but wanted to do more. I thought, “What if I offered them a free family photography session, or perhaps refer them to Soulumination.”

In the mean time and not even a week later, I received a text from Soulumination informing me of a family shoot opportunity. I checked the session date, I was available and so I said, “Yes, I can do it”. Later that day, I opened the email containing the details for the shoot and I see the ALLEN’S NAMES. I was like, what?!? How cool is this. Out of the 60+ photographers who could have potentially been given this opportunity, I end up with the honor of photographing this amazing family.

I later learned from the Allen’s that they heard about Soulumination through the medical staff where their daughter, Oona, is receiving radiation treatments and then decided to set up a family session.