I know that all of you are used to me starting off my blogs by telling my personal experience in working with a family… but this time, I’m going to turn the storytelling over to someone who does it for a living… my sister Janelle, who is an anchor/reporter for WTAE – the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, PA.

Earlier this year…Janelle did a story about the family that is featured in today’s blog that was one of the most touching stories I’ve ever seen her do.  So….  If you’re taking the time to read this blog… or, if you just want to be completely uplifted today… I encourage you to not skip the step of watching this video before checking out the pictures from our unbelievable session together…

Video Source: YouTube
Credit: WTAE-TV – Channel 4 News in Pittsburgh – ABC

After watching this four-minute segment, I thought I had a good understanding of the strength, the character, the love, the respect and the zest for life that these four share together  … but, it wasn’t until I met them in person that I truly experienced it. Individually – each one of these four family members are so fantastic… each of them bringing their own passion and positive outlook on life, and each in their own unique way.  Then you put them together… and you have one powerhouse clan that is pretty unstoppable as a team.

When they initially reached out to me about photographing their family, I couldn’t have been more excited.  Well, at least I thought I couldn’t… because in the week prior to their session I had a chance to talk with Jennifer (Mom) about their session and I’m pretty sure I’ve never talked to a Mom who was MORE excited about having a photo shoot done – which made ME look forward to meeting them that much more.  I could sense the happiness in her voice when she talked about her kids and her family, and at the same time – she, like every other Mom I work with, was nervous about whether or not we were going to be able to capture “good” photos based on experiences they’ve had in the past.  And, like every other Mom I work with, I assured her that I would step back and let their family “be” who they were… and nothing bad could come out of that.

When we actually met…  Jennifer was just as sweet as she was on the phone, and meeting Mike I learned that he wasn’t much different – a really great person with this positive aura that was undeniable.  And the two of them together was just a ball of positive energy (and adorableness… let’s be honest…)

And then there’s the oldest… sweet Carly. This girl touched my heart in so many ways.  From the minute she stepped out of the car and greeted me with this huge smile I knew I was going to like her.  Full of spunk and energy.  When we walked throughout the park we compared our necklaces (hers representing her love for dance, and mine my love of photography), she did cartwheels, laughed a lot…  and genuinely seemed happy to be there that day and hanging out with her family.  I loved that.  I also loved that she enjoying hamming it up for my camera…

And then sweet Cassie whose giggle makes you bring out your own.  I just soaked in being around her.  Here is this little girl … who was born prematurely at 25 weeks at 1lb 14 oz… who is unable to see the world around her … who was diagnosed with autism … who so inspirationally lives her life finding the joy in all of the little things.  Whether it’s feeling the wind in her hair while swinging, enjoying the sensation of flying in the air on her sister’s feet like an airplane, running and laughing with a cookie, or singing a Keith Urban or Rihanna song to soothe herself when she felt upset… I think there’s a whole lot that all of us can learn from this little girl when we often miss the joy in the little things that life has to offer.

And then you combine the bond between these two sisters that was seriously one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. Meeting 10-year-old Carly – it was easy to tell what a sweet, energetic, independent spirit she had about her.  But the minute that her sister was upset or needed someone’s hand to hold – Carly instantly and selflessly stopped whatever she was doing to be beside her to offer a hand, to sing a song, to tickle her or to play a game with her to bring that sweet smile of Cassie’s out again.  I felt so inspired by her and this unrelenting love for her sister.

And you know why so many of those awesome characteristics are in these two girls?  Because they have two parents who absolutely love each other, love life, and have shown their kids what that is all about.  The amount of love in this family cannot be bottled up…

Jennifer and Mike – it was BEYOND an honor to spend this time with you and have the chance to personally meet you and get to know you in the short time that we spent together.  You are an inspiration…  whether you are running 26.2 miles blindfolded or volunteering your time to bring awareness to autism in honor of your daughter… or you are simply teaching your children that life is meant to be filled with joy no matter what challenges you may face.  You are truly awesome …

  I can’t thank you enough for letting me step into your world for a little while and document it.  I look forward to the chance to see you all again soon.  Until then – keep inspiring the world around you…

**** READERS **** please check out the Bruno Family fundraising website to learn how YOU can help them continue their quest to raise funds and awareness for the Vision Research ROPARD Foundation (VRRF) which aims to support research, programs and services designed to prevent, treat and/or provide adaptive resources to patients of all ages affected by vision threatening retinal disease and their family members.  Any amount of money that you give matters.