She Smiles

"Strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future." (Proverbs 31:25)

I was supposed to be taking pictures of her children. And I did. But the more I watched her, the more I saw a very beautiful woman.

She was totally focused on her children. Laughing with them, but constantly guiding them. She saw the bigger picture and used that perspective to point her children beyond the immediate and onto the eternal.

She laughed at life and chuckled at the inconveniences.

Her UNC earrings were sparkling, but it was her eyes that really shone.

Not only did she laugh, she also smiled. It wasn't a fake laugh at an immediate joke, it was a real laugh that focused on the beauty of life and sprang from a smile in her heart.

She moaned and groaned when I pointed my camera at her, but I couldn't help myself. I had to take her picture, I had to capture that joy.

See, she's a military wife. Her husband is in Iraq right now, and has been for many months already (and several more months before he comes home). She's mom and wife - yet hubby is on another continent serving his country. As hard as I might try, and no matter how much I tell myself that I think I understand, I don't think anyone can even begin to fathom how challenging that must be. My heart aches just thinking about it.

So, even when she sent me a look that could've wounded or maybe even killed...I pulled the "I am a photographer and I will take this picture" trump card and snapped away.

And I'm glad I did.

Because I got it. I captured the joy that is written on her face.

And that, Internet, is why this is one of my favorite pictures ever.

And, yes, I secretly hope that she sends a copy of this picture to her soldier, as a reminder to him of just how gorgeous her smile is.