For my grandchildren

Sherelene and I have had a great trip together, but when I get home, one thing I want to do right away is see as many of my grandchildren as I can. Every time I see a child while traveling, I think of my grandchildren. What a joy they have brought into my life, I love them, each and every one.

The other day I thought of Ben when a couple of large Iguanas crawled up to our table to beg for food at Molly Malones. Since Molly’s has turned out to be our favorite spot for breakfast and dinner we have been there at least once a day. I shot the image for Ben below and then started thinking this morning I wanted to dedicate one shot to each of the grandchildren. First, one shot says it all about all about my three granddaughters, Hannah, Cassidy, and Abigail. They are the radiant flowers of my life. Color is such an important part of a photographer’s life and they each bring bursts of color into life for me. Hannah, Cassidy, and Abigail are the most loving young ladies. They all hold such a special place in my heart. I’m Papa to them, and they all know how much I love their hugs and I get lots! I’m so proud of all of them, and in spite of any genes passed down from me, they are
beautiful.

I grew up one of two
children in my family,
two boys, Homer and
I, so I never had a sister
and I wasn’t sure what
to do when Sherelene
gave birth to our last
child, our daughter
Catherine. Boy did she
open my eyes, what a
pleasure it was to have
a little girl. She got me
ready for three grand
daughters.

My grandsons are just as
great, Ben is my nature
lover, he collects anything
that crawls, slithers, or
walks and we’ve spent
hours talking about
animals together. Some
day I want to take him
to the Galapagos Islands,
he would love it. Ben is
a really great young man,
I’m so proud of him too.

Cade is my sports guy, he
loves basketball, soccer,
football, anything played
with a ball, he’s all over it.
He is a great athlete too.
No bigger U.K. (University
of Kentucky) fan ever lived.
Cade also loves Chocolate
just like Papa. When I saw
this sign, I knew it would be
for him…… Sorry Cade, no
basketball sign down here.

Elijah is another wonderful
grandson. He was born on
St. Patrick’s Day, so Elijah
this one is for you, it tells how long it is until your birthday. Elijah just started school and he is a smart little fellow. Elijah, just like Cade and Ben really shows his love and when I can slow him down long enough his hugs are great. Elijah is, just like Cade and Ben, a great joy for me.

Any of us, fortunate, and blessed enough to have family are truly blessed. I can’t imagine going through life without the gift of family. Below, from left to right; Elijah Fortney, Hannah Fortney,
Ben Fortney, Cassidy Moore, and Cade Moore.

Right, Nana gets
some love from
Abigail.

Thank you Father for my countless blessings……..

the pilgrim

*Photo notes: All four images at top P7000.