This is the start of a very special project, and I’m lucky to be sharing it with a group of some of the most wonderful, talented women that I know. I want to say a very special thankyou to Sarah Cornish and Julia Stotlar for gathering everyone together but really most of all to the sweet lovely girl who started it all with the Letters to Our Daughters Project, Amy Lockheart. Thank you Amy, without you, we wouldn’t be doing this. <3
To my sweet Joey,
Has it really been 10years since you came into our lives? The day you were born is as clear to me now as it was then. Your Dad and I looking down at your bright eyes and wondering who you were, who you would be and imagining how much richer our lives would be with you to love. I don’t think either of us guessed how insightful, sensitive and kind you would be. You’re gentle and sweet, you worry about others and things in your future. Your little mind never stops and your peaceful ways draw everyone in.
I used to worry when you held your hands over your ears to drown out loud noises, your eyes wide and worried. I was concerend when you cried in your sleep with night terrors because every thing was so amplified to you. You took on the troubles of the world on your very little shoulders and at times I know it’s all felt a bit much to cope with. I kissed away your tears when you cried yourself to sleep because you couldn’t accept that we don’t all live forever, or that you can’t fix every problem or hurt. You are the kindest little boy I know. You have the sweetest, purest heart and sometimes I can’t believe you’re real.
I’m so thankful that you’re happy to hang onto your childhood blankie, your special tickie, and your furry friends. You’re not ashamed to be you, to be different and to live by the beat of your own drum. You understand that you sometimes find life frightening, that you need extra cuddles and you’re not afraid to ask for them or show your emotions. I wonder if you know how truly special that is? I wonder if you know how truly special a little boy you are?
And when I asked you a few days ago to gather all your most precious things, the things that meant the most in the world to you, because I wanted to take some special pictures of you, you chose Remy, Marilyn the Duck (who you’ve had since you were a baby), your tickie, and then asked if you could have your sisters in the pictures too. That is so you Joey, and it makes me smile.
Just keep being you, because your Daddy and I couldn’t be prouder or love you more then we do right now.
Your Mama xoxo
Please continue through this blog circle to view the gorgeous blog post by Amii Wrobleski
Jessica Vaughn - What a sweet boy you have! Love the emotion in your photos.
leah cook - oh Emma. tears all around. what a gorgeous letter to your sweet boy. and these images speak volumes. I always adore your work. xo
Jes Gwozdz - What a sweet and caring boy. You are one lucky mama! <3
April Nienhuis - What a dear, sweet boy you have there Emma! I can’t wait to continue learning about your boy throughout this series of letters!
Bre Thurston - Your words are always so beautiful. Your son looks like the sweetest little guy and it’s obvious that he’s a wonderful brother. What a lucky mama you are <3
Michelle - Love everything about this post. You capture the purest moments so beautifully. Your sentiments for your son are so special. xo
Megan Cieloha - So gorgeous, Emma. Your kids are just plain beautiful, both physically and in their precious hearts and spirits <3
Anne - Such a beautiful letter, Emma. I can tell from looking at his eyes that he is a very unique boy. He reminds me of A. <3
Lacey - He sounds like such a wonderful boy, and I know he has so many of those wonderful traits from you, Emma!
Amy Lucy Lockheart - Oh, he asked for his sisters to be in the photos. Be still my heart! What a beautiful child and an equallly beautiful letter to him. I’m so grateful to be doing this project with you, Emma. Thanks so much for accepting my invitation all those months ago and devoting yourself to your letters. xoxo
David - I hope the world will always be as kind to him as he is to everyone else. My little superhero!
Lisa Benemelis - So beautiful, Emma. What a sweet sweet boy to say his sisters are so precious and important to him. <3 That just melts my heart. You and David have a gorgeous family- inside and out.