Amanda is my cousin. At the age of three, she was my very first friend. Growing up in the California desert, we spent endless hours playing together. My family moved away when I was five, but we’d see each other every couple of years, each growing a bit taller and older. Then life moved fast. We each went to college. And got married. By social networking, we have been able to catch up and keep in touch.
Our family met in Southern California for our Grandpa’s 80th Birthday Party/ Family Reunion. Jonah and I had 15 minutes and one roll of film to take a few shots of them and this amazing time in their lives.
Aren’t they a beautiful pair? Jasen is a worship pastor at their church and a talented singer. But what I am most struck by and admire, is his strong character and sincere love for others, especially his wife. Amanda is nurturing and thoughtful—She always has been. My mother likes to tell the story of when I was a newborn and visiting their family. I disappeared and they found Amanda rocking me in her doll cradle. A moment of panic for my mother for sure, but many, many laughs for us in the years that followed. She will be an incredible mother.
I look over these pictures and love pours from my heart. All these years later, and we are privileged and blessed to meet each others children and share in each others lives. It’s so awesome. Amanda and Jasen, we love you and cannot wait to meet your little girl.
