The bond between families is unbreakable, as no matter their conditions or how they feel, they always come back to each other. From sharing laughter until their bellies hurt to arguing over little things where perspectives do not seem to match, to sharing almost every meal, the love between family is fierce. Sara has not always been a photographer, but she has always loved serving the community in every way possible. The love between families always left her in awe, as she saw many situations as a social worker, where the love of families was captured. Sarah knew she wanted the world to see it through her camera lens.
Sara always saw it as an inspiration and soon prepared to document an entire day of a family experiencing homelessness. She wanted to observe and let the world see how love is everywhere. The Hendersons, living in Fort Worth, Texas, were the first family ready to welcome them. They were a six-person family living in the city’s largest shelter. About their home? They were all in one bedroom with a double bed for the couple, bunk beds, and a crib for their newborn. This is how people adjust to the limited resources available.
When Sara entered the room, she could only see the clothes, toys, and other stuff everywhere. No corner of the room was empty, and there was chaos. The parents were on their duty to make peace in their small space and were cleaning up as quickly as they could. Sara said their entire day was spent doing the same job, tidying up the space. Next, when it was time to have a meal, they shared in the cafeteria of the same shelter they lived in. There were multiple families along with their kids, a few complaining about how hot the food was or how they did not like the meal, whereas the others were playing around.
The adults were negotiating while they looked after their children and took a bite. The vibe was homely, as this is what we get to observe in any other home: how parents soothe their children’s tears and try feeding them while having their meal of the day. After having food, most of the kids headed outside to the playground. It was a place where it felt like there were no worries as the laughter of children echoed, and the kids played on swings and slides. Finally, something beyond the walls! In the next few minutes, Sara observed how a child got hurt and ran to his parents for comfort. A hug that fixes everything was just another reminder of how parenting in any circumstances is done with the same amount of gentleness and love.
Of course, the lifestyle parallels what we usually see, and the challenges are real. We can not even think of living outside in lavosh homes, eating our favorite meals, and partying. Breakfast at the shelter was served at 5 a.m. so the homeless could have it, and there was no sense of privacy. While mothers spend their days caring for the kids and running downstairs for chores, the fathers mostly work night shifts.
However, Sara’s purpose in spending the day was fulfilled when she saw siblings argue over the TV remote, parents worry about their kids, the family share hugs, and how each other’s presence comforted them. Is this not what all of us experience? Thus, it is not about your living conditions, but parents’ love for their children remains selfless. Even at shelter homes, children are raised with love, and family members show tenderness to each other in many ways. After all, home is where your family resides!
