By: Neelam Raichura  - Statesboro

Judge’s Favorite

My husband and I got married in July of 1999, against the wishes of both families. Coming from conservative Indian families, where nuptials are usually arranged, it was a bold move. Following the not so very happy wedding ceremony, which was attended by a very few close friends, I accompanied my husband to the United States and left my family and friends back home in India. Over time my husband?s family became a part of our lives once again but my parents never talked to me. They did not even want to know how I was doing in this far away land. In a new world and around new people, I made friends and some close enough to be called family but in my heart I suffered the pain of not having my parents around me. After many-many phone calls, emails and letters, I reestablished a formal line of communication with my father and my sisters but my mother never came to the phone. The distance from home, the loss of family support and a severe case of hypothyroidism was drawing my life into depression just before our daughter Misha was born in August of 2004.

We had a family portrait session with Lori in early 2006. One of the pictures in that session was of Misha and myself. For this picture I wore a traditional Indian dress that my mother had given me long back. I framed and sent this picture to my home in India and to my surprise and immeasurable happiness my mother called me. We talked for three hours mostly crying and getting emotional after a few sentences. From that moment on, my life felt comprehensive, I sensed a new confidence that comes from finding something precious that was lost long back. Soon after that Misha and I visited my parents, which was the first time in seven years that I had seen my mother and most other members of my family. My parents had a very good time with Misha and she enjoyed every single moment of it as well. Since I had last seen my mother she had suffered a serious case of Spinal Stenosis and had to remain on bed rest. On her bedside was the picture of Misha and I, which Lori had taken. This mother?s day my mom sent me a card that said, ? I am looking at your picture right now and I just want you to know that you are the best mom and the best daughter. Misha and I are blessed to have you in our lives. Happy Mothers day.? Re-establishing this relationship with my mother and hearing this from her was impossible without that one picture.

The true power of great portraits is immeasurable but sometimes it can make lives complete and living more worth it. I am glad I have one such portrait made by you that had the power to mend broken relationships.

Thank You So Much Lori!

Neelam