Jennifer contacted me a couple of weeks ago after finding me on the Operation Love Reunited website and asked if I would capture the homecoming of her husband for her and her son. I was delighted and couldn’t be more honored. After a couple of phone conversations and counting down the final days I couldn’t have been more excited to meet her, Brett, and Aaron. :)
I met Jennifer at the airport and due to some delays we had a wonderful time at Atlanta Bread chatting and getting to know one another. Brett was a little anxious, and waiting in the airport for several hours isn’t a small feat for a 2 year old but he handled it well. He was fidgety, and didn’t like to sit still for very long, but enjoyed playing with the welcome home sign a cousin had made for them. Jennifer held it together so well- these military families are SO tough… even after chasing her little boy around knowing it was only hours and then minutes before she’s see her husband she hadn’t seen in 8 months… she was as calm, cool, and collected as anyone I’ve ever seen facing these circumstances! Never once did she even show frustration at Brett’s wandering around and wanting to constantly be on the move.
That said… Aaron was suppose to land and we were all set up and I had my camera in hand… it was only minutes before he would round the corner and this family would once again be reunited. Somehow the time between him landing and him appearing was nearly 40 minutes long! I know my stomach was in knots, and I haven’t a clue on how Jennifer stayed strong! Soldier after soldier we watched come out… and then Finally the moment we had all been waiting for… Aaron appeared!
The kind volunteers caught him before he was able to turn and see his family, and being the polite gentleman he is, he continued to listen… even while Jennifer was behind him calling his name. Brett joined in by saying, “Daddy, come get your son.” Would you be able to do that? You haven’t seen your family in 8 months and they are right behind you.. you can hear them but you have yet to see them… and you patiently wait until you have the opportunity to turn around and there they are!
Brett instantly recognized his daddy and went running towards him with his arms wide open. His mommy quickly followed behind. What an incredible moment of joy, smiling, tears, laughter, happiness, and an overwhelming sense of relief!
The neatest observation I noted was in the change of Brett’s disposition. You would have contributed his all his extra energy to being two, BUT after his dad arrived little Brett was the most calm and relaxed 2 year old you’ve ever seen. While we were waiting he was just as anxious and excited as his mom was, and all that anxiety was relieved the moment his daddy scooped him up into his arms and gave him a bear hug. So neat!
I was truly honored to be a part of this reunion and celebration and hope that I will be able contribute capturing these irreplaceable memories for these families again.
Now, Please enjoy the journey of The Campbell family Reunion. :)
Waiting…
Still waiting…
“You’re Home.”
He is such a CUTIE!
What a beautiful Family!
Kisses for Daddy.
“Going Home”
Check back to see the entire story unfold in the slide show. Don’t forget to leave your support for this family, thank them for their dedication, sacrifice, and service!
“The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.”
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