I didn’t know it when we started exchanging emails in September or even when I arrived in Hutchins, Texas the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I didn’t even know it until I had been wandering around for 30 minutes, looking at the location and angle of the sun. But we (Hugo and I) were there for more than just a photograph.
Great Grandmother Gross came up to us in the yard and asked gently “can I show you something?” We followed her into her home and she pointed out the last professional family they had taken in the early 80s, hanging prominently in the main hallway. She pulled out photo albums of some smaller prints and she pointed out everyone that was there, reminiscing about those that were still with them and the loved ones they had lost. The original image contained 13 of the family members (and one on the way), in front of that same home that we were standing in. I got goosebumps. The family had grown to well over 40 members and suddenly a family photograph the Sunday after Thanksgiving became very, very important. “This has to be beyond awesome,” I whispered to Hugo. He nodded back and replied “I know.”
33 people – and one on the way.
