[prelude]: bernal's

I should pause here and let you know I don't normally get choked up on sessions.
especially happy, christmas family sessions. :)
but for a moment on this one, I did.

you see this beautiful woman's oldest son is a marine.
he's being stationed in a war torn country next week.
and I was struck for a moment with an overwhelming admiration not for her son (which was definitely there as well!)
but I was overwhelmed with admiration for this woman.
this mom.
in my mind I easily imagined my own son all grown and my heart couldn't help but be squeezed a bit.
she made one request...the below picture.
what an absolute pleasure. :)
this family will most definitely not be far from my thoughts and prayers.

I came across this poem and thought it appropriate to share before the last [prelude] photograph...

"I held him as an infant; I hugged him as a boy and through the years he has become my greatest pride and joy.
I love him more than I can say, his life more precious than my own,
but gone are the whims and notions of the little boy that I had known.
for the years have passed so quickly since the time it all began and now he stands before me with the conviction of a man.
He wants to serve his country, he states aloud with pride as I try to sort out the emotions that I'm feeling deep inside...
a union of the uncertain fear, which I cannot control and the allegiance which lies deep within my patriotic soul.
I trust that my years of guidance will serve as a strong foundation as he performs the duties requested from his beloved nation.

God please guide him as he travels to the places our soldiers have bled
and walk with him through pathways where those heroes' feet have tread.

Sweet Land of Liberty, humbly I give to you, my son
praying you'll return him safely home when his work for you is done."