There’s a point in every wedding that just yanks on my heart – the mother-son dance. I know it’ll be about 20 years before I get the privilege of dancing with you on that special day but I envision it every time I photograph a young man dancing with the first woman who held his heart, his mother. I apologize now for the huge blubbering mess I will be on that day, at that very moment. You told me a couple weeks ago that you will always be my baby boy. You’re the first to run to me and keep me company when I don’t feel well. You constantly come to me to simply tell me you love me. You’re always there to protect me when you think I need protection. You love to help me whenever possible. I can tell you are going to be a great man – a man that I will be proud to say that I helped raise. When we dance, those tears will be tears of joy, pride, and happiness and although I will be sending you off to start a new life with the woman of your dreams I know, like you always tell me, that you will always be my baby boy.
*and a little shot of Finn and me taken by Layla
Please follow the ‘circle’ by visiting the lovely Emma Wood’s blog!
Nina - I can’t wait for him to read this some day. Love the picture of you two!
October 10, 2012 – 11:54 am
Leah Cook - oh I hope he reads this at his wedding!!! beautiful, April. and I love the shot of you and Finn…go Layla!!October 10, 2012 – 3:40 pm
Lacey - I can not NOT tear up at this, April! Finn sounds like such a precious, tender-hearted little guy and he is so blessed to have you has his mama!October 10, 2012 – 4:01 pm
Jes Gwozdz - So sweet! Like Leah said, I hope he reads this on his wedding day. Actually, you should give him this letter on his wedding day. What a special gift!October 10, 2012 – 9:44 pm
April Nienhuis - I never even thought to give him this on his wedding day but that’s a great idea! And maybe include that picture of the two of us with it
October 10, 2012 – 10:08 pm
Emma Wood - April, your words really touched my heart, as they often do whenever you write about your children. I saw the last image of you on facebook earlier this week and thought how incredibly sweet it was. I think actually that Finley is a lot like my Joe, and I can see the sweetness in him though your lovely images and words. <3October 11, 2012 – 4:23 am
Teresa - You made me cry….and think of how much I love my baby boy….even if he is 27. I hope I’ll get to dance at his wedding one day.October 11, 2012 – 11:31 am
Caroline Jensen - Oh my heart! This is just the most beautiful thing. I love, love this April!October 11, 2012 – 11:49 am
Mikki - What a sweet little guy you have by your side! Your letter to him made me tear up, and yes, I agree with Leah, I love the idea of sharing this with him on his wedding day!October 11, 2012 – 3:01 pm
Jessica Vaughn - The mother/son dance tears me apart every time too now that I have a son.October 11, 2012 – 7:18 pm
jaime lackey - aw such awesome shots of his personality! and love how you are in the last one! arent they always our babies!October 11, 2012 – 8:34 pm
Amii - Oh geez, just read Bree’s letter and now your’s about weddings?!?!?! I’m a mess! I just love that you took a picture with him…I must remember to do this next time!!October 12, 2012 – 9:19 am
Amy Lucy - How do you NOT tear up at that?! Goodness, April! This is so beautifully written. Can you imagine giving this to him on his wedding day? Gorgeous. xoxoOctober 15, 2012 – 11:46 am
Megan Cieloha - I always forget about the mother-son dance… such beautiful words and fantastic images to go with them
October 16, 2012 – 10:28 pm
Megan - Love these letters and the sweet moments captured on camera. ♡October 23, 2012 – 4:40 pm
Heather - Wow…you have me in tears! Simply beautiful. I feel your love for him! Gorgeous images!October 24, 2012 – 4:28 pm
czarina - oh april! this is just beautiful! your words, your photos… the last one sure is a treasure. it reminds me to be in the photos more often.October 24, 2012 – 10:42 pm
Ashley Spaulding - I totally teared up reading this, April. I can’t wait for Finn to read this and for him to have it to hold onto forever.November 10, 2012 – 10:01 am