For the past couple of Christmas’ I have participated in ‘Giving is Awesome’. It’s as simple as people nominating other deserving people for a free photo session. You can only imagine the incredible letters I get… when I read these words this year, I knew I had found the family I wanted to photograph:
“…She treasures photos as art. She also now realizes the true value of a photo because her husband, also a soldier, was killed in Afghanistan at the end of August 2009. She has three children…all under 4. Two sons and their daughter was only 2 weeks old when her husband died…he was never able to hold her.
Her attitude through the whole process of finding her new normal has been amazing. She is an amazing example of a gold star wife. I know she has days where it is hard for her to catch her breath when she thinks of what life has handed her, but she has handled everything with such style and grace.
I know she would truly value the gift of art she could receive through this program. In no way would it replace John…or her photos or memories of him. But it would simply symbolize her new journey that she started with her children without her husband, John.”
I was born on a military base, I grew up with a parent in the Service, I married a military man… the military lifestyle is very familiar to me. I know the sacrifices… still- absolutely nothing prepares you for reading those words. John gave his life for our country. His LIFE. And there, to make their way without him, are Lisa and their three beautiful children. It only took a couple emails back & forth for me to see that every word written about her was true. She is an inspiration & example for us all…
“John’s a rock star and he’s my husband… He’s the foundation of this new path we’re traveling. I’m scared, but I know where we’re coming from is solid. I know he’s waiting for us on the other side… so for now, we just get through and try to laugh and smile as much as possible, knowing that the goodness of John lies behind us, in us, and before us…” The week we met was particularly a momentus one… it was homecoming for everyone that served with John in Afghanistan. As Lisa wrote: “This week everyone has their homecoming pictures and stories… everyone is beautiful for their husbands with their adorable children holding their welcome home signs… I long so very much to have my own pictures of us welcoming home John… because of what those pictures represent… the life that we are supposed to be having now…. We don’t get our welcome home pictures, but I am so glad that we will have special family pictures from this week. It seems fitting.”
I left that photo shoot feeling so blessed that she was brought into my life.. so blessed FOR my life…
I am so happy to be able to show you these photos…
this one cracks me up.. cause- yes… we all have those kinda days…
this makes my heart just melt… doesn’t matter if you’re wearing your best polka dot dress, get down in the grass & wrestle cause moments like this can never be replaced…
Jamie Sampson: The photos are beautiful. She is lovely. The kids are perfect. I cried as I read the post. (07.27.2010 03:50pm)
Natalie Clayshulte: These make my heart smile. What a beautiful family!! (07.27.2010 04:02pm)
AmyC: Oh my! You've done it again. I believe you outdo yourself every time :) What an amazing story of strength and courage. They are truly blessed to have such beautiful images to treasure for life! Images of their new normal, new family life. I don't even think I can pick a favorite, but that one of baby girl with the boys on either side...priceless....hilarious!!What a beautiful family. (07.27.2010 04:03pm)
Shauna: I'm in tears. What a beautiful lady, beautiful spirit, and even more beautiful attitude. God bless her and her family! Thank you for your gift to us!!! xo (07.27.2010 04:45pm)
Tina Wrona: Crying right now. Beautiful. Beautiful in every way. (07.27.2010 04:46pm)
Lesley: Oh my goodness, what fabulous portraits! I'm in love with her sitting by her dad's gear...just simply precious! (07.27.2010 04:54pm)
kristin cook: What a fabulous gift you were able to give them....such a blessing. *tears* (07.27.2010 04:57pm)
Heather Mann: completely beautiful. (07.27.2010 05:31pm)
Cari Enticknap: What a beautiful, heartbreaking, incredible story. She is an amazing woman, and they are a gorgeous family. As always, your images are stunning perfection. I can't pick a favorite. My heart and prayers go out to this lovely and strong family... (07.27.2010 05:45pm)
zalaine: OH Miss S, you have outdone yourself this time. From frolicking in the grass to Little Miss Sweet Thang with her daddy's gear. You have captured them perfectly and given them a stunningly, beautiful gift. Welcome Home John! (07.27.2010 05:51pm)
Jeannine: Amazing gift! Truely amazing photography as always. Prayers and blessings out to this family! (07.27.2010 06:11pm)
Shannon White: Wonderful!!! They are a beautiful family very deserving of images showing happiness and hope for the future. Though each soldier, cop & firefighter do what they do for a paycheck, they are aware it is at risk of losing their lives. I hope the day never comes that I lose my husband to some stupid individual with a gun at a traffic stop. Grace, happiness & love always triumph. (07.27.2010 06:16pm)
Kelly: Gorgeous Shannon...the words, the photos, the family and your gift. (07.27.2010 06:35pm)
Susan Dodd: Fabulous....just FABULOUS!!! (07.27.2010 06:48pm)
Josh Solar: Thanks for making me cry a second time today. You captured this session in a way that only you could...beautiful. And, if you're wondering, the first time I cried was watching Andrew Peterson's "Dancing in the Minefields" music video :) (07.27.2010 07:16pm)
wrecklessgirl: i've lost all my words, completely humbled. encouraged. (07.27.2010 07:25pm)
Michelle O: Shannon- You did a gorgeous job capturing Lisa and her crew! I absolutely love them and know Lisa will treasure them. Thank you for this gift you have given her...she will never forget! These photos are simply amazing. (07.27.2010 08:10pm)
Brees Knight: How heartbreakingly beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with them as they continue their journey. Beautiful job as always. (07.27.2010 08:52pm)
Dina: Some of the most beautiful pictures I have seen on your blog...ever! This post has furthered inspired me to act on the desire to have my children write friends/acquaintances of ours that are in the military and impress on them the sacrifices that are being made for their freedom. This mother is STUNNING and the love she shared with her husband will forever be etched in the beautiful faces of those adorable children. The tears started when I saw the baby with her daddy's boots! A deserving family, indeed! (07.27.2010 08:54pm)
Alexa: you could not have chosen a better family to capture. beautiful photos. (07.27.2010 09:28pm)
stephanie mcbride: truly touched my heart. (07.27.2010 10:48pm)
Kathy Carlisle: I am filled with gratitude tonight. I am grateful that I know and love and amazing person like you and that you are able to share your heart with the world. I know that you have gone deeper than touching this family's life, you have become a part of it. You were chosen to tell this story and John is so looking down, gleaming with proud and full heart. Priceless shots...well, done...perfectly done:) K (07.27.2010 11:42pm)
Roxana: Just melted my heart! You are an amazing woman and an amazing photographer. This family story is heart-breaking and spirit-lifting in the same time. I wish them all the good in the world! The photos are to be treasured forever. They are a beautiful family. (07.28.2010 12:06am)
stephanie: I actually just asked my husband, whose father passed when he was only 19 and his best friends dad who just died earlier this year, how you actually learn to smile again. This woman has such an amazing attitude--it blows my mind. Beautiful photographs. The shots of his daughter with his gear just pulls at my heart.... (07.28.2010 03:37am)
ajja: that little girl will so treasure those pics of her with his helmet and shoes. wow. (07.28.2010 06:07am)
Vickey Weiss: tears in my eyes ... what a strong and beautiful family. The first photo of the baby girl with her daddy's helmet and boots takes my breath away. You are such a treasure Ms. Shannon... thanks for sharing your precious gift with this amazing family. (07.28.2010 08:14am)
Shona: What a beautiful woman on the inside and out ~ The images of her little girl took my breath away. Beautiful tribute Shannon! (07.28.2010 08:33am)
elizabeth pellette: Oh Shannon.. what a gift for this family.. Thank You to John and his Comrades who lost their lives keeping us all safe.. and to Johns Family.. I have no words.. other than Thank you so much and God Bless you all.. Your family is gorgeous. and I am certain that John is always with you and watching out for you all. Much love The Pellette Family (07.28.2010 08:48am)
kylie: Wow Shannon! I just photographed a homecoming ceremony from Afghanistan earlier this month and Lisa looks familiar. Do you know when the men came home? Could just be a coincidence. I have never had so much emotion during a shoot as I did during the homecoming. Overcome with emotion for everyone who serves and supports those who serve. Amazing photos. (07.28.2010 09:01am)
Ginette: Amazing! You don't usually write a lot in your blog posts, so I knew when I saw all those words I'd better read it, because it must be important. I was crying by the end. Not for her loss as much as for her spirit, in hope that we may all have that kind of joy and faith. You captured them in a perfect way! I love each and every shot, but the first one radiates joy, and I love that the most. (07.28.2010 09:33am)
Evie Perez: Wow!!! I am left speechless after reading this post. My husband is leaving for Afghanistan soon and I can't imagine going through this with small children. I salute this family. Thank you John for serving. You captured this family in a beautiful way. I love this session. I love the way you captured the mom getting down and dirty while playing with her children!!! Great job :) (07.28.2010 03:40pm)
Brittany Stover: Speechless.....tearful, but speechless. (07.28.2010 05:33pm)
ryan: wow, i am completely moved by this post. words are pathetically inadequate to express my sorrow and my appreciation to all the soldiers and their families who serve our country and in many cases make the supreme sacrifice. thank you john, thank you lisa, thank you shannon. (07.28.2010 09:23pm)
Carrie: Fabulous and fun! The image of the 3 kids had me cracking up too!! (07.29.2010 04:59am)
The It List :: Hot Shots Hand-Picked by Lara Casey, Vol. 4 | Wedding Trends, Tips, Dresses, Flowers and More: [...] of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is [...] (07.29.2010 12:02pm)
Marina: Beautiful and amazing! Thank you to our wonderful military and thier families for the sacrificies given. To John's family may God continue to bless you. Sharon, thank you for this posts. I am deeply moved and speechless. (07.29.2010 12:54pm)
The It List :: Hot Shots Hand-Picked by Lara Casey, Vol. 4 | Wedding Photography In Leeds: [...] of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is [...] (07.29.2010 03:40pm)
The It List :: Hot Shots Hand-Picked by Lara Casey, Vol. 4 | Wedding Photographers In London: [...] of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is [...] (07.29.2010 09:34pm)
Kara Layfield: You did a good thing Momma!!! You have touched their lives forever. Amazing Shannon!! (08.02.2010 11:50am)
jennie gaskins: simply AMAZING!!! I want to do a "Give Away" like this!!! (08.02.2010 02:11pm)
Kirsten Leah: Oh wow--I don't know how you did this but they are so blessed because of you. I would have lost it as soon as daddy's gear came out (and as a photographer, blurry vision is a bad sitch!). Beautiful family. (08.02.2010 07:34pm)
Angela Hubbard: love (08.02.2010 10:47pm)
Jessica Oatman: this just tears my heart out. I know all too well the loss from this war. I lost my brother the same time she lost her husband. You did an amazing job, but you did an even greater thing by recognizing what these families go through. Military families suffer everyday because of the war. Thanks for giving her this gift and thanks for writing about it on your blog. God Bless!!! Jessica Dumont-Oatman and Family. Sister to fallen soldier SGT Paul E Dumont Jr. 8/19/09 (08.08.2010 01:24am)
kimbrali: oh my. what a strong and beautiful woman with an amazing outlook on life. her family is beautiful and you did an incredible job photographing them all. i dont know of anyone who could have done it better. (08.09.2010 02:12am)
caitlin: Absoltuely perfect. (08.09.2010 12:40pm)
Diane Slape: Shannon, this is wonderful and they are beautiful!!! God Bless Them and you for catching a moment in time for them. You are truly an artist! (08.09.2010 01:37pm)
Richard G. Ng: My youngest son, Andrew, just graduated from West Point as John did nine years ago. Like John's parents, I belong to the NorCal chapter of a club for parents of current cadets and past graduates of West Point. I also happen to be the author/editor/publisher of our chapter's quarterly newsletter which goes out to approx. 400 member families. May I save and publish your first photo of Lisa and the kids in the Summer 2010 issue I plan to send out in the next week or so? (08.15.2010 03:29am)
MADISON WI NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER: [...] Looking Forward…. This is a link to Shannon Swell’s site. The images are nothing less than AMAZING. [...] (08.20.2010 05:20am)
The It List :: Hot Shots Hand-Picked by Lara Casey, Vol. 4 « Southern Weddings Magazine: [...] of sugar in this shot and, technically, it’s not from a wedding, but it’s hilarious and the rest of this post will make you weep. Shannon Sewell is [...] (12.01.2010 09:47pm)
Kymberly Janelle: I seriously cried seeing the picture of the little girl with daddys shoes and hat. wow. amazing. (04.21.2011 06:50am)
Alicia Thurston: The words had me choked up but it's the images that brought me to tears. What a strong woman and mother, you told their story with your photographs beautifully - this is why we do what we do! (08.29.2011 03:03am)