These are the moments when heaven comes to earth:
When a 46 year old beautiful woman bawls her eyes out because she has finally gotten her very first picture with Santa.
When photographers set aside competition and serve together for the day.
When a twenty (something)-year-old in a recovery program asks to set his picture on the sign-in desk, stands back with a huge smile, and says, “I’m just picturing it. I’m picturing when I have a job, and I’m working in an office. I will have this picture sitting there. Can’t you see it? This is where I’m heading.”
When the Chick-fil-a cow shows up and makes everyone’s day.
When someone getting their picture says they’ve always wanted to be a professional photographer and asked if they could come next year, and the photographer hands his camera to her and says, “how about now?”
When crazy talented musicians serenade new friends.
When kids belly laugh as they play with their new toys who were given to them by other kids.
When hot coffee and a meal are offered by a friendly face and the rest of the hospitality/food team to those who have been riding in a freezing cold bus this morning.
When a returning guest from last year recognizes a volunteer, calls her by name, greets her with a huge hug and insists they get a picture taken together and printed before they leave.
When volunteers give hours upon hours of long nights behind the scenes to make these moments possible for people all over the world who will never know their name.
This is Help-Portrait.
Honored to have shared this with some of my favorite people in the world today. Thank you for every hug, encouraging word, listening ear, picture, makeover, print, and action you gave today to make these and many more moments happen.
-Kendra Flowers
Nashville, TN
My second tour as “Santa.” And it continues to warm my heart! Memorable moment… A bus driver comes up talking on his phone. Then “Facetimes” the conversation with me back to his wife, who has never seen Santa… In the Middle East!! Wow!!