Jacksonville NC Military Homecoming Photographer | Camp Lejeune | Cunningham Homecoming

Oct 30

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This past week, I had the special privilege of photographing a special military homecoming on Camp Lejeune.  Rob deployed exactly one month after their precious baby girl was born, and she and 3 fun boys have kept Sheena busy…203 nights alone, and she stayed amazingly strong!

These 4 smiling faces were ready to see their Daddy again!

The boys told me that Sheena had pulled off an amazing surprise.  She told them they were going to the doctor’s office and to get ready.  Once they were in the car, in the words of her oldest, “This is definitely not even close to the doctor’s office…that is like 3 miles away!”

Their signs say it all.

While we waited, the boys enjoyed running around and inventing games, and oh yes…playing football.  They were so excited that Daddy was going to be able to make their last football game of the season!

And they waited, and waited…

It seemed like forever…

Then the amazing text that he was boarding the bus transformed the anxious waiting to excitement once again…

And just as it seemed like the buses would never arrive…they appeared down the street.  Amazing to me that the boys just somehow *knew* he was on that 3rd bus.

In the blink of an eye, it was as if he had never left.  In that moment I was overwhelmed by this family’s love and strength…and beyond thankful for the sacrifices they have made for my freedom!  Reunited at long last.

I am so thankful that God has brought him back to him family…and I pray this is a time of growing together even closer than ever before as they enjoy this precious time together. You can tell they are already prepared for jumping right back into the hang of things!

Thank you again to this amazing family for letting me share in these wonderful moments of reunion at this blessed military homecoming.  And thank you, Cunningham family for your service to our country!  God bless America!

*Julie

I am a natural light photographer in Jacksonville NC.  My passion and specialty is to capture family moments that you will treasure for years to come.  If you are interested in booking a session for newborn portraits, maternity portraits, family portraits, children’s portraits, family events or your military homecoming, please contact me for more information.

Posted on October 30, 2011, in Events, Military and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.

  1. Tara Waits | October 31, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Julie,

    Sheena is my cousin, who grew up just down the road, so more like a little sister. Thank you so much for taking such beautiful pictures for her and Rob. She is an amazingly strong person, and this is a beautiful gift that she and Rob will treasure forever. They are great parents, friends, and loved ones.

    Tara Waits
    Chesterhill, OH

    Reply
    • Julie | November 1, 2011 at 1:32 am

      Tara, thank you for such sweet words! I’m truly honored to have had the opportunity to share in such a beautiful moment. They are an amazing family! I am so glad you enjoyed the photos, and thank you for taking the time to write such sweet words! Be blessed!

      Reply
  2. Jessie Seifert (Shook) | November 11, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    As a service member myself, those seconds and minutes getting back to your family are so emotional!!! You did an AMAZING capturing the raw emotion of there special day!!! I grew up the Sheena, and went to highschool with Rob, I am so glad they were able to share this with us!!!!!!! Semper Fi Rob!!!!!!!! The kiddos are growing so fast!!!! Happy Veteran’s Day Cunningham family!!!!

    Reply

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