I once read that children are closer to Heaven because of their youth. They believe in things, that we as adults, have long forgotten about or our minds have told us don't exist. They view the world as their oyster and have little to no fear of death. They also believe in mermaids, Santa and the real ability to fly, {amongst other things} and I think that I've always dismissed that as simply not getting it yet.
But this past weekend I saw this magic quality in my own son, Ethan. We traveled down to southern California for a memorial service of a close family friend that passed away far before his time. It was a somber event and yet...all Ethan wanted to do was play. Of course, my natural inclination was that he just didn't get it--he didn't understand why we were all gathering to mourn and remember this beautiful life. But maybe Ethan didn't see it as sad, maybe he saw it as a happy event--one where our friend was now in Heaven, also playing.
His exuberance was infectious and was a great reminder as to what life is all about. Damian, my best friend's brother-in-law, is a wonderfully talented photographer and captured some beautiful photos of Ethan over the weekend. Seeing the joy in his little face makes me smile...and I'm pretty sure he brought some smiles to the rest of the family this weekend.
Hope you enjoy...photos courtesy of Damian Blacklock Photography in Portland, OR.
There were so many sweet ones to choose from...it's hard to pick my favorite! Thank you again to Damian for the awesome shots!
xo natasha
PS...for those interested, his shirt is from Old Navy.
Hope you enjoy...photos courtesy of Damian Blacklock Photography in Portland, OR.
There were so many sweet ones to choose from...it's hard to pick my favorite! Thank you again to Damian for the awesome shots!
xo natasha
PS...for those interested, his shirt is from Old Navy.
It’s so true.. I wish I was as fearless now as I was when I was younger! These pictures are precious and so well captured!
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful-we can learn so much from them!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!!! He looks so big, but still so young and innocent with the hair. Please don't ever cut it!!
ReplyDeleteSo cute!
ReplyDeleteThose are so beautiful, what a great smile and that hair! I think kids are a reminder of the joy even in sorrow.
ReplyDeleteit is so true!! and he is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI don't have kids of my own but I can say I have learned so much through watching my nieces and nephews approach to life. Through their eyes and innocence. Those photos of Ethan are beautiful! He is the cutest with those curls and has the sweetest expressions.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more! As you know we lost my grandpa this week and sadly I was unable to attend the service in New York today. I wish I could have because I know Presley(who was my grandpa's only great granddaughter) would have been a bright spot in a sad event. I truly believe that once we join the clouds all our suffering is over and we will all be reunited again one day. The thing is we all eventually get there. So for now it's just see you later <3
ReplyDeleteThose photos are the sweetest! I love thinking about it with a different perspective like that, I'm sure his happiness helped so many of your friends and family during such a sad time. Hope you are doing well friend, hugs!! xo
ReplyDeleteLOVE! I believe in this same thing -- there is a purity in children that we just don't have anymore. We're too tainted. The way they see things....well, it's just more like Jesus I think!!! These pictures are such treasures! xx
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