Special Moments | Military Goodbye | St. Louis Airport

Sometimes there are moments that remind us why we do what we do, and why we love it.    

          A month ago, I was in at Lambert International Airport, in St. Louis, MO, exhausted after an amazing couple days at Shutterfest with fellow photographers (more on that in a future blog!) and frustrated with the situation of delayed flights.  I was going to miss my connection, and be stuck in Denver.  I just wanted to get home, and sleep in my own bed.  
          Then, things started lining up.  My airline changed my flight, putting me on a nonstop flight to Denver, where my connection would be waiting for the couple of us who would be running a little behind.  I moved myself and my belongings to the new gate, and sat down to wait to finally get on a plane and get closer to home.   
          I called my mom, to update her on what was going on, and in front of me I see a woman in her military dress uniform, saying goodbye to her two young sons. I mentioned what I was seeing to my mom, and she immediately said, “Take pictures!”  Honestly, I was so tired that I forgot I even had my camera on me.  I told my mom I’d call her back, nearly hanging up on her.  I approached the family, and asked if they wanted a few photographs taken.  It didn’t take but a couple minutes of my time to capture a few moments for this family, and it warmed my heart to be able to do so.  The photos are simple, totally on the spot and in the moment, but it was something so special, and helped put things into perspective.   
          It’s interesting how things work out sometimes. Had my flight not been delayed, then changed, I wouldn’t have been there to capture these moments for this family.  Military families hold a special place in my heart, and I love photographing Military Homecomings (this was a little different, being a goodbye, but still so beautiful)! I’m glad I was able to give these few images to this beautiful family.  Turns out, they even live local, in Southern California! Small world! Moments like these don't happen too often, and sometimes it's easy to bypass them without even realizing. This was a great nudge, refreshing my mind with why I love being a photographer.