A Little Something Personal | Calgary Photographer

First, Let me say that this blog update is a break away from the norm. I'm not going to share photos from any recent sessions or talk business. I am however going to share a personal story along with a personal photo that means the world to me. For all those friends and family who have been following all the recent events of our life - here is the story. For all those clients and blog followers who have no idea what I'm talking about, indulge me this once. I am choosing to share the story here, as I think it's a "feel good" success story, and in today's world we don't get to hear near enough of those.

First a Picture.
This is my husband as a baby boy in 1968 with his Mom & Dad.


And now a poem...

The Legacy of an Adopted Child
author: anonymous

Once there were two women
Who never knew each other.

One you do not remember -
The other you call Mother.

Two different lives shaped
to make yours.

One became your guiding star.
The other became your sun.

The first gave you life
and the second taught you to live it.

The first gave you a need for love
and the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality.
The other gave you a name.

One gave you the seed of talent.
The other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions.
The other calmed your fears.

One saw your fist sweet smile.
The other dried your tears.

One gave you up -
That's all that she could do.

The other prayed for a child -
and God led her straight to you.

Now you ask through all your tears,
The age old question through the years -

Heredity or environment? Which are you
a product of?

Neither my darling neither -
just two different kinds of love.

This poem belonged to my husband and recently we have had the opportunity to share it with two very special women. The first being the woman in the poem who dried his tears and calmed his fears; the woman he calls Mother. The second sent him a letter this year right at his birthday to let him know that she had been looking for him. We just returned from a trip to Montreal where she lives, and at 41 years of age, my husband was reunited with his birth mother.

A picture of them together which is one of my new faves in my "personal portfolio"


Being a part of this entire process, has been an amazing experience that is really beyond words. For me it's right up there with having my daughters. As his wife, I have had the privilege of talking to both women and hearing their stories; where one's journey ended and how another one's began 41 years ago. And to see them both now as their journey has come full circle is really an amazing example of selfless love for their son and respect for each other's place in his life.

I think the story is an example of a great success. A woman took a leap of faith 41 years ago and prayed her son would have a good life. She trusted the system and it worked. He has amazing parents and has had a great life, and somewhere along the way I got a husband and two children out of the deal who are my whole life.

Murray and Vi - Your support through this process just proves that Grant has been exactly where he was meant to be his whole life. You are both very special people.

Lise - I'll be forever grateful for your sacrifice all those years ago and I'm so happy that you finally get to see how it all turned out. No More Endings, Only Beginnings.

The Gang in Montreal - The trip was one I will never ever forget. The way you all welcomed us into your hearts and homes was so amazing. The pictures, the home movies, the memories you shared! Not to mention the food - next time I'll be sure to bring the stretchy pants!! Merci and Amour!!(Next time my French will be better too!)

Grant - All my love - thanks for letting me share this and thanks for being you.