Beauty from Ashes

“Bestow on them a crown of beauty  instead of ashes,

the oil of joy instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” – Isaiah 61:3

I have a story to tell you. A story filled with joy and hope. I met this family when their oldest daughter, Morgan, was planning her wedding and they hired me to be the wedding photographer. They are a wonderful, life-giving family. My heart sank when I received an email from Morgan a week after she saw that I was offering to do photos for families that lost their homes in the Waldo Canyon Fire. Her father lost his home and it was in one of the heavily damaged neighborhoods. It was the home that meant the most to them all. We set up a time to do the photos and when we met last night, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Typically a joyful family, I still questioned how we would do this shoot. Would it filled with tears? Would it be something the family really didn’t want to do?

The weather was beautiful and I couldn’t have been more surprised to see the big, genuine smiles on their face as I walked up to them to begin the shoot. And now that I think about it, I shouldn’t have been surprised at all. Although they went through something horrifying; the evacuation, grabbing items at the last minute, and then finding out what they lost, they are the type of people who tried to find a positive out of rough situations. They taught me a lot more on this shoot that I could have imagined.

Before I post these photos, it’s important for you to know I asked their permission to post these. I debated it for a bit in my mind if I was going to because I really didn’t know what to say, but what I really hope you get from these photos is that this family is choosing joy despite their circumstances. They are choosing to see beyond what happened. That although it hurts really bad, they will rebuild and something good is going to come from all of this. When I was talking to Ray that evening, the father, we asked him what his plan was. His comment was simple. “We take it step by step.” That seems to be what most folks in this community feel as well. I’ve spoken to a handful of families in the past few weeks with a similar outlook. Saying they will rebuild; they will be okay. Joy and hope.

First we met to do some family photos at a neutral, relaxed location.

I felt led on my way to meet them to ask them if they wanted to visit their home for some photos. I don’t think every family would want to do this, but I think I would if it were me, so I asked. Again, this wasn’t an expectation for the shoot, but I thought I should ask. They decided it was something they did want to do as they had so many family photo sessions done at the house. So many memories. These were important to capture too.

This is their backyard where they had many photos pre-fire taken on the hill. The best part? The grass is already starting to grow back. I saw that as hope.

The girls at their front door step. They had also had a photo taken similar to this pre-fire.

Speechless.

Morgan and family, thank you for humbling me in my job. Thank you for reminding me that in every situation, we have the choice on how we react. It doesn’t take away the pain, but it does help us make it though it and hopefully numb it a bit. I love the bond you have as a family and I’m thankful you allowed me into this tough, painful situation. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and in that, I admire your strength and ability to see the beauty that will come out of these ashes. As your community, we’re here for you during your rebuild. Big hugs to you all.  – Megan