When life takes a sudden turn and everything you’ve ever known changes, to say “it’s hard” is an understatement. But when that change happens during your senior year of high school, well, I think that takes it to a totally new level.

That’s exactly what happened to one of my class of 2019 seniors, Bailey. Her precious mom, Denise, booked a session with me early but then her family’s life took a 180-degree turn that had them leaving DFW for Idaho…where IS Idaho?! Ha! Seriously though, the Jordan family is beloved at Grapevine Faith Christian School, where Ellie attends, and it was a shock to everyone when the announcement was made…including the Jordan family, I think! While the moving plans were being formed, her parents felt led to allow Bailey to stay and finish out her senior year in Texas. As a momma, I can’t even imagine the sacrifice it takes to leave a part of your heart behind, but that’s what these amazing parents did.

I felt really honored to get coveted time with them when Denise returned to visit for homecoming week at Faith. I couldn’t help but feel emotional (AKA was holding back some serious waterworks during the session) thinking about how difficult it must be for them to be away from their girl and to miss the day-to-day moments that happen in her life. Here’s the thing: sometimes we can have total peace in knowing that the decisions we make for our children are right and that the Lord’s hand is writing their story, but it doesn’t make it easy by any stretch of the imagination. Can I get an amen?

Anyway, I knew Denise and Bailey were likely cramming in way too much during that week-long visit (as would I!) and I really wanted the session to be a time for them to relax and enjoy each other and this special senior year moment. I always try to make the senior portrait experience one of the very best for my clients and their moms, but this one felt extra, extra special as I knew Denise was sacrificing so many of those special photo-worthy occasions. It was a beautiful testimony to the power of parental love and I feel beyond privileged to have been a small part of their story.

As for the actual session, Bailey was a complete natural in front of the camera. I know I say this a lot (and only because it’s true), but Bailey’s beautiful spirit really came through in every shot. This young woman is the poster child for the expression that beauty comes from within.

Bailey’s Senior Portrait Session in Grapevine | Grapevine Faith Christian School class of 2019