Being a family photographer allows me to enter people's homes and capture many glimpses into what it means to be a part of that particular family. Recently, I think I hit an all time family photography record when I met The Picerne Family, all 19 of them! Seventeen kids in fact, aging from one year to well into young adulthood, make up their beautiful family. Bob & Gwen Picerne have two biological children while the rest have been adopted as their own. To help others in the adoption process, based on their experiences, they formed, Embraced By Grace Inc., an adoption and Home Study Agency in Casselberry. Visit www.embracedbygrace.org to get more info.
I have to admit, I didn't know quite what to expect, knowing that some of their children have come from challenging circumstances, prior to being adopted. What I found however were children laughing and playing together in their back yard as if they had been a family from the day they were born. I discovered that there were just as many hugs, kisses, and smiles for each and every child who needed one. Sure, there was plenty of toys, but these kids were just content on being together enjoying a gorgeous sunny afternoon in their back yard. Of course, my camera's shutter never got a rest as there were plenty of real moments to be photographed. But all the while, my heart was smiling on the inside as I watched and was blessed by the love they all share for each other. They know they are loved and that they matter to God. I call that a lesson for us all. Enjoy some of these images of this very special family!
