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HOMES VIII: ben + angie
“all i have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all i have not seen.”
somedays i struggle to find words that can say what i want to say. this edition of “homes” is one that has touched my life. i spent a morning with the anderson family, all six of them, and i will forever be grateful for each minute i was present with them in their home. ben + angie have a story that must be shared, one of love, faith, and family. they were high school sweethearts, went to prom together, and after school said “i do” to forever as husband and wife. they started their family together, built a home, and a business. four loving, talented, sweet, and adorable kids later their family of six was complete. two years ago when seizures started for ben, they worried what was causing them. the day before christmas they received news that ben had a fairly large brain tumor that was causing the seizures. after numerous doctor visits and trips to the clinic, they faced a challenging decision on how to move forward with treatment. as this family continues to battle ben’s illness and prognosis, they band together in their faith, a faith so strong it brings me to tears. a path that will certainly not be easy, will be walked by the six of them. i challenged angie to allow me to capture real life, to let the kids dress themselves in their favorite things, to show off the simple things that make their life so crazy beautiful. this was a way for me to give back using my talents and the feelings it evoked far exceeded my hopes.
when i was getting to know angie, she shared this bit that can offer some anderson perspective, “we wish to seek god first through all this, and give him all the glory and honor. we are not sure what his purpose is with this, but we know he is walking this road with us.” spending time with them, i left with a prayer in my heart and tears in my eyes. to be able to capture their precious time as a family is something i am forever grateful for. they aren’t certain how much time they have left together, but there is one thing i know for certain, every minute will be filled with so much love and a faith that can move mountains.
special thanks to my sweet mother who was my assistant, coffee holder, and partner in crime for this session!
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meet: Ben + Angie
location: Blackhoof, Minnesota
occupation: Engineer for Exodus Machines + stay at home mom
been together: 18 years
how they met: Back in high school.
what do you admire most about your partner:
b: I admire Angie’s strength to perservere through any struggles or hardships.
a: I admire his love and devotion to God and his kids and wife.
what are you most thankful for in your life?
b: I am most thankful his wife and three children.
a: I am most thankful that God is walking with us every day of our lives.
what is something you are looking forward to?
b: I am looking forward to spending time together as a family this year.
a: I am looking forward to my permenant home, in glory with God.
one piece of advice for couples:
b: Be honest with each other in a loving way.
a: Live everyday as if it is your last!!! Don’t take anything for granted.
if you are interested in donating to this family in need, please e-mail me at: jenna@photosbyjennaleigh.com
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I love this idea for a blog series. It’s so intimate and helps keep the creativity flowing 🙂
Beautiful pictures & touching story! Great job to you all. I will Pray for Ben, Angie and their family. They are truly inspirational!