When people can’t come to you for their photo sessions, you go to them. And during this time in quarantine, it means going to people’s front porch to take their portrait while maintaining appropriate social distancing. During the month of May I will be doing Front Porch Portraits for 30 Mercy Hospital health care staff. This is my way to say “Thank You” to those who serve our community. In addition to the Mercy staff, I’m also providing Front Porch Portraits to other families. I’m going to post my front porch portraits here on my blog as a way to remember this period of time in world history.
I have asked each family to tell what they’re feeling during this time of world-wide pandemic.
Rasmussen | April 5, 2020
Johnson Family | April 25, 2020
Chad: “I feel a lot of pressure to come up with and help lead innovative ways to accomplish the mission of our church right now. I want to look past the hurdles and instead look for the unique opportunities we have in this season. I am extremely encouraged to see that the Lord is still very much at work and that lives are still being transformed by Him. We are making some amazing connections that likely wouldn’t have been possible a few months ago.”
Heather: “ For myself, I feel fine., but know a lot of people are having some bad situations. I can feel sorry for myself because others have it so much worse.”
Matthew: “I really miss being able to go places and see people, but other than that, I’m feeling pretty good.”
Ethan: “I am hopeful that the pandemic will be over soon so that we can get back to a more normal lifestyle.”
Chesmore Family | April 26, 2020
Stouffer Family | April 26, 2020
Teeg: “ our family, like every family, has had a lot of different feelings during this unusual time. But above all, our faith has grown and we feel hopeful. We have sensed and seen God moving. We’ve seen people draw closer to God, and this is amazing. And we’ve drawn closer and been more dependent on Him, as our income and work has changed. He is faithful, and continues to be our provider and our strength!”
McMullen Family | May 2, 2020
Sandra: “I have felt sadness and yet a sense of peace. During this time, I have had to slow down and really focus on the small things in my life. Spending more time with my husband and children and not worrying about all the different places we have to be each night and everyone’s schedule has been great. There is so many unknowns during this time, so taking one day at a time.”
Patrick: “I am continuing to be shocked at the amount of misinformation provided. I am scared, nervous and want things to go back to normal. But at the end of the day, what bothers me the most is how bad this pandemic has divided our country and not sure how we are going to come back from this.”
Benjamin: “It bothers me that I don’t get to go to my friend’s houses. It is bothering, but yet it is a good thing because it will teach us on how to take responsibility when we need to. It is very boring with nothing to do.”
Hannah: “I do not like it, I am bored and miss my friends. I like to do gymnastics and I can not go to that either, I miss it because I like it a lot.”
Piper: “I don’t know, I feel sad.”
Bock Family | May 2, 2020
Christy: “Right now, we are feeling grateful that no one we know has gotten sick from COVID-19 yet. We've had to work a lot of overtime, but we're thankful we both still have our jobs, and we pray that this pandemic ends as soon as possible!”
Sheppard
Wagamon
Hannah: “During these uncertain times I am feeling thankful for a healthy family. I am so appreciative of all my fellow front line and essential workers!”
Walton
Alyssa: “We are feeling blessed in this time of uncertainty to have our small family healthy. As a healthcare professional pandemics were always discussed in school, but never did I think I would live through one. It is rewarding to see that the the crisis has brought so much unity to our community. A huge thank you to all those who have contributed.”
Williams
Knight
McPherson
Katie: “I am so thankful to not only have been able to work throughout this whole pandemic, but to work at an organization that is able to help people get through this unprecedented time. COVID changed a lot in how we approach patient care, but we have been able to adjust and continue to provide the services people need to maintain and improve their health. I am also grateful to have my health and my wonderful family and friends!”
Ray
Stephanie: “My heart is overflowing after seeing these. These photos put into perspective what is truly important at the end of the day. With everything going on during this pandemic, it is easy to get caught up in the stress of work and all these unprecedented circumstances. Everything I love about my family was captured here, and I am so grateful.”