Heather Rodburg Photography

Dear Noah and Jonah,

So much has happened since my last post only one short month ago. There are so many thoughts whirling about in my head that I am not even sure if I am going to manage to get them all down in a cohesive manner, but I will give it my best shot. I have found myself really struggling with what I wanted to say to you both this month as there has been so many bad things happening—floods, explosions, bombings, shootings and the list goes on.  Despite all the heaviness and heartbreak that has been happening in the world around you, you have both remained oblivious to all that has been going on—and thankfully so.

I do, however, recognize that there will come a time when I cannot shield you from the sadness and pain that happens all around us, no matter how hard I try. Yet, my hope is that when that time comes, your father and I will have taught you to see the good in the world, even when it seems like there is none to be had—and not only see the good, but to be a part of creating it.  I hope that you will be able to make your own happiness and seek out the things that restore your faith in humanity and lessen the impact of all the sadness and wrong-doing. You must always let the goodness be your center and ground you. Unfortunately, there are always going to be bad people doing bad things, but you cannot let them win.

So, with these photos I was hoping to show you all that is beautiful and good with our lives: losing a first tooth; skipping dinner to have a joyful romp in the front yard full of sleet after a crazy thunderstorm; and playing in the park amongst the first spring flowers. And maybe this letter is less about you this month than it is about reminding me that there is still happiness and good in the world. Both you and your father are my center of goodness—my all-that-is-right-with-the-world when all that is going on around me in the world seems to be full of such sadness and violence. Yes, we have our ups and downs, but there will always be our laughter—and smiles—and hugs that serve as a constant reminder of all that is right with our world.

As always, I hope that you will continue on and read the next amazing letter by Jessica Gwozdz in our “Letters to Our Children” blog circle!

At the beginning of this year, one of my friends and amazing photographer, Jessica Gwozdz, invited me to participate in a project in which we would write letters to our children each month. My children are the reason why I am so passionate about photography, so I could not be happier that I have the chance to participate in this awesome project.  Each month I will join this group of amazingly talented photographers in writing to and photographing our children; I only hope I am able to convey a fraction of what I feel toward my two wonderful, loving boys. So check back each month for the next installment of Letters to Our Children.  I hope that you will click the links to follow each blog in the series – it will be so worth it

Dear Noah and Jonah,

I am not sure where to even start as six years ago your dad and I were not even sure we would even be able to have a child, let alone two beautiful, loving children as yourselves. It was a long, emotional roller coaster ride getting to the point where we are today, but I could not be happier with where we are now.  From the crazy weekdays where we are madly dashing out the door just to make it to school on time to those lazy weekend days when we barely make it out of our PJs—I cherish every moment. From your heartwarming laughter to your incredible bear hugs, you both bring so much joy and happiness to life every day that I can’t imagine a life without you both in it.

You inspire us to seek enjoyment from the simplest of things and to have exciting adventures, even if they are only down the street to the local park on a cold, foggy Sunday morning to feed the ducks. Daddy becomes the bread keeper, happily doling out the bread to your outreached hands as you raced to toss them to the ducks. I can still hear the echo of laughter as you tossed entire slices of bread to the ducks and watched how they chased and squawked each other trying to get the bread before it was snatched away.  It is amazing how fast two giant loaves of bread can disappear when you and ducks are involved!

And after the bread was all gone, I watched you happily play a game of tug-of-war with each others’ coat sleeves, and then saw that game turn into a display of love with an unprompted hug between two brothers—just remembering it brings a smile to my face. The compassion you have for each other is something that can’t be taught and I can only hope that bond between you will grow stronger with each passing day.

I want you both to know that I look forward to the adventures we will continue to have with each other as your grow up. It is a privilege to have you both in my life and I would not have it any other way. Thank you both for being who you are and never failing to fill my heart with laughter and love!

Please follow our “Letters to Our Children” blog circle onto the next letter by Jamie Carpenter.