Need A Smile Giveaway Winner

As many of you know, in December I held a giveaway. This giveaway was special because I wanted to gift a session to a family that was truly in need of a smile.

I received many nominations, and they all touched my heart. It was not an easy decision to make because there are so many great families out there that have dealt with tough circumstances in the last year or so. But, a decision did have to be made and I am proud to say that the winning family was the Lupo Family.

The Lupo Family has three energetic, beautiful children and their mom (the family photographer) has made it her mission to cover their walls with images of the joy they have experienced together over the years. Before Christmas in 2008, their digital camera broke. Mrs. Lupo was thrilled when she found out that her husband's company gave all the employees a digital camera as an early Christmas gift. As usual, she would be able to take their traditional Christmas picture in front of their tree using her tripod and the camera's timer.

They deeply treasure that picture today because sadly it was one of the last pictures with their much loved husband/father. At the end of January last year, Mr. Lupo collapsed one evening. He was a healthy man with no signs or symptoms of illness or health trouble. Though his wife and medical personnel did all they could to try to revive him, they were not successful and he passed away. It was declared a result of heart arrhythmia. And, the hearts that were left behind were broken.

As you can imagine, the last year has been extremely difficult. This was a sudden blow to a young, happy family. The children were 3, 5 and 6 years old at the time of their father's death. Though surrounded by loving family and friends, the day to day struggle to adjust has been the biggest challenge. Mrs. Lupo continued to try to take pictures of important moments in her children's lives until their new digital camera also broke.

So, when our mutual friend Gail read about my giveaway, she immediately wrote to me about the Lupo family and not only their need for a big smile, but also for some updated pictures of their beautiful family.

I can't properly express how excited I am to meet up with them this Spring and do a fun, family session. Mrs. Lupo told me that she has never won anything and this certainly put a smile on her face. Yeah!!!!