“The best thing is being called ‘Papa’,” he said when asked about what it’s like being a grandfather. The best things are, in fact, really simple, aren’t they? It’s spending time watching three of your grandchildren run around and “mow” the lawn a dozen times while the newest grandchild tries to take a little snooze in someone’s arms. It’s the magic of blowing bubbles that brings as much joy to the kids as it does to the adults watching the kids’ reactions. It’s watching a child find beauty in what most would call a weed.
I had the honor of spending the morning with this beautiful family a couple weeks back. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit emotional leading up to the shoot or afterwards as well. Mike has been battling cancer as well as some lung issues and he wanted to have some family portraits taken. He’s a bit of a jokester, according to his daughter, and at the same time, he beamed with pride the whole morning. I’m not sure he knows it, but that pride is reciprocated with each member of his family.
Mike and Sharon, you have a kind and beautiful family. Shannon, John, Ryan, and Melissa, thank you so very much for allowing me to capture the smiles, the lawn mowers, the bubbles, the snacks, the hugs, and the races. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, but especially to Mike. I hope you enjoy many more of your best things. And to my husband, Craig, and to my own Dad, thank you for being part of my best things.