It’s funny, this little fella has been through a lot emotionally. I hope he’s going to be okay; people say kids bounce back, and all you can do is hope and believe that it’s true. I always joke that he’s my favorite nephew. I get sharp glances from my niece until she realizes he is my only nephew, and then everything is okay again.

I miss them both, but I guess that’s what happens to families when distance comes between them.

This picture was shot from the hip with a Nikon E990, which was great for this kind of candid work. The series of shots leading up to this moment were similar, but this particular frame—poised with symmetry and deep meaning—has it all.

To me, it perfectly captures the mood at the time. It was a difficult period for everyone, including him, although he might not know it yet… or perhaps ever.

I love them all.

As always, let me know what you think…