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(not)forgotten
the people of haiti
This exhibit of portraits portrays the strength, joy and beauty of the people of Haiti in the midst of extreme poverty and living conditions.
The full portrait collection is compiled of hundreds of images captured in August 2009. In addition, a short film, "(not)forgotten", was produced and is available to view on this website.
The trip to Haiti was underwritten by James River Assembly in Springfield, Missouri and Mission of Mercy. The work was effectively used to bring awareness and support to their operations in Haiti.
If you are interested in underwriting a photographic-cinematography project for your organization, special cause or event, or if you want more information on exhibiting "(not)forgotten", contact us via the information listed on the CONTACT page .
click here to see the film
The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. (Bonnie ---- a favorite scripture, Psalm 91)
"Megan woke up this morning and said, daddy don't worry so much...I had a dream that my scans were clean and that means everything is going to be alright...AMEN! (KC White, Megan's father)
"After receiving my diagnosis, I called my dad...his words were profound, they changed me, and they gave me HOPE. He said, Praise the Lord, what a plan God has for your life, what a journey you are about to go on. So hope I have." (Phyllis)
"So now I'm free...and there is hope." (Angie)
"...fear gripped me with such force that it took my breath away. But, the Lord came to me in that same instant with just as much power. No fear here." (Rachelle)
"Humor, smiles, happiness and making others who are enrolled in this course (with cancer) just smile." (Marlene, writing about why she dressed up as Raggedy Ann during chemo)
"Cancer was once my ultimate battle for survival. This unforeseen blessing has now turned into my greatest accomplishment...survivor!" (Kristin)
"Cancer won't get me down, I won't let it." (Megan)
"The absolute power of laughter." (Lewis' answer to my question, how do you stay strong through the journey?)
"Sometimes we come to life's crossroads and we view what we think is the end. But God has a wider vision and He knows that it's only a bend --- The road will go on and get smoother..." (Tiffany)
"I'm not scared of dying..." (Mark singing the lyrics to Blood, Sweat and Tear's song, "And When I Die")
"He, Jesus Christ, opened my eyes to the fact that I have life that I cannot lose. Not even cancer can take it. I love life." (Marcy)
"I hope I can Relay for Life when I'm one hundred years old." (Phyllis)
"Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you cannot see." (Tom --- a favorite scripture, Hebrews 11:1)
"Love, joy, peace...the fruits of the spirit." (Tiffany)
The strength of Mary ---- "I was asked to do the Sweet Life photo shoot just two days after my husband, David, died. This is my tribute to him...my rock." (Mary)
"Then, and I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before? As I was sobbing, I began to pray. I asked my Heavenly Father to help me accept His will...for I was unable to do it by myself. He was waiting for me! It was at that moment that things changed for me." (Mary -- surrounded by family and friends)
"Get well soon...we miss you...we love you." (Kendra ---- she got well)
"I hope these portraits of me exhibit strength, reflection, stamina, love and a sense of humor. My journey has been about these things." (Mark)
"When I first found out I had cancer, as you might expect, I was very upset. But I didn't give up...I kept moving forward and I can tell you things got much better. And they can for you too." (Lewis)
"Live from your heart, take life as it comes and remember...your struggles, too, shall pass. Surrender to the fact that life isn't fair, but with God's grace you will find peace." (Kristin)
"God intended me to go through cancer for a reason. This brought my family closer to God and closer to each other." (Kendra)
"Laughing together was the bit of normalcy in our lives...we never stopped laughing." (Tom with wife, Linda)
"Now, when I look at another person, I don't just see them, their clothes, their jewelry and their hairstyle. In all humility, I feel I can see their soul. I now understand what Jesus was trying to teach us on earth...to see other's souls and to love as we look. This is the gift of cancer." (Jan)
"Don't worry...it grows back." (Kendra's advice to others who may be losing their hair during cancer treatment.)
"Cancer, know this: I have you, you do not have me! I give you no power in my life. I do not know where you came from, but I know you are not of God. God is perfection in all and I am made in His image." (Carolyn)
"Find ways to be happy each day...the emotional pendulum of fear and relief is there, but you do have a choice in how you let it affect you...choose to be happy" (Carrie)
"My favorite saying is, just build a bridge and get over it...I have decided that I will not let cancer conquer me and that I will let love and prayers help me." (Ellen)
sweet life
cancer's unexpected lessons
Randy was approached by Cox Health's Hulston Cancer Center in Springfield, Missouri with an intriguing project. The center wanted a series of cancer survivor portraits and felt Randy's style of portrait art was exactly what they wanted to achieve. In Randy's hands, they envisioned portraits that would tell inspiring stories of strength and positive spirit that would be a source of hope for people going through cancer. Randy was immediately enthralled with the project. "As a portrait artist, there is no bigger joy than those moments when I feel like I have captured an instant-in-time that speaks about the soul of a person... this is my artistic mission. To mesh this mission with individuals who are going through cancer, this is a true blessing for me," says Randy.Randy's wife, Shannon adds, "We wanted to manifest the positive power of the human spirit and the wonderful, miraculous things the soul can learn from cancer, and not simply show the pain and scars of the disease."The shooting began in earnest with nine cancer survivors of all genders, ages and types of cancer. After this original group was photographed, several more survivors were added to the exhibit and Randy has continued to accept new portrait subjects ever since. The exhibit has grown to include over 80 subjects, yielding hundreds of images. "This is not a stagnant project. God willing, I want to keep growing the volume of portraits and stories so we can help give people hope...all over the world," says Randy.The future of the Sweet Life Project is poised and ready to travel to various locations across the nation. "My desire is to share the portraits with as many people possible so that each may truly experience the power through the eyes, hands, bodies and souls of these surviviors...I want to help people see that this really is a sweet life that we're living."by shannon bacon
Randy was approached by Cox Health's Hulston Cancer Center in Springfield, Missouri with an intriguing project. The center wanted a series of cancer survivor portraits and felt Randy's style of portrait art was exactly what they wanted to achieve. In Randy's hands, they envisioned portraits that would tell inspiring stories of strength and positive spirit that would be a source of hope for people going through cancer.
Randy was immediately enthralled with the project. "As a portrait artist, there is no bigger joy than those moments when I feel like I have captured an instant-in-time that speaks about the soul of a person... this is my artistic mission. To mesh this mission with individuals who are going through cancer, this is a true blessing for me," says Randy.
Randy's wife, Shannon adds, "We wanted to manifest the positive power of the human spirit and the wonderful, miraculous things the soul can learn from cancer, and not simply show the pain and scars of the disease."
The shooting began in earnest with nine cancer survivors of all genders, ages and types of cancer. After this original group was photographed, several more survivors were added to the exhibit and Randy has continued to accept new portrait subjects ever since. The exhibit has grown to include over 80 subjects, yielding hundreds of images. "This is not a stagnant project. God willing, I want to keep growing the volume of portraits and stories so we can help give people hope...all over the world," says Randy.
The future of the Sweet Life Project is poised and ready to travel to various locations across the nation. "My desire is to share the portraits with as many people possible so that each may truly experience the power through the eyes, hands, bodies and souls of these surviviors...I want to help people see that this really is a sweet life that we're living."
by shannon bacon
Keilah and Duane: I keep her laughing and she keeps me laughing. That is one thing that keeps the fire burning. (Duane)
Jeff and Megan: “We wanted to prove to everyone and each other that we are in this for the long haul. That we are a family.” Megan
Darrin and Andrea: Your relationship with God, your spouse and children. It all works together. (Darrin)
Joseph and Devon: –“It is really good to have just one person to confide in, who you can talk to, who knows everything about you and still accepts you for you. It is a really good thing.” (Devon)
Anthony and Paula: – “You have to want it. You have to work at it. You can not be selfish and you have to be willing to give up some things. A happy marriage is worth it.” (Anthony & Paula)
Darrin and Andrea: – “I sometimes hate to go to work, and I rush home every day just to be with her.” (Darrin)
Josh and Janel: - “Tell your partner you love them no matter what. Marriage is about the attraction, the love, the patience and willingness to wait. We stick up for marriage.” (Janel)
Chris and Ping - "The first time I noticed him was when he was praying...I thought he spoke pretty well and sounded pretty smart." (Ping)
Kelly and Crystal: – “It is so great coming home from work and having someone there. We are so much happier being around each other.” (Crystal)
Lisa and Michael: – “Things get crazy sometimes, but we are able to talk through everything.” (Lisa)
Eddie and Lameka: – “I have come to the understanding that the only thing that can destroy us is us.” (Eddie)
Kelly and Crystal: – “Even though it seems like people change over the years, that same person you fell in love with is still there.” (Crystal)
Brad and Theresa
Napoleon and Michelle: – “I had never really had a man like that before him. They just kind of whizzed in and out. I never really had one that stuck around and went through things and was there for me.” (Michelle)
Lisa and Michael: – “We are very enmeshed, probably more so than most couples. We like it that way.” (Lisa)
Lawrence and Lolita: –“Some people might say that it would be boring to wake up and see the same person every morning, but nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s truly a joy to wake up and see her face.” (Lawrence)
Brad and Theresa - "I didn't say more than hello or goodbye to any girl for more than three years and that was it...and then she came along and I couldn't let her go by." (Brad)
Lawrence and Lolita: – “I just love him more as the years go on, being together and spending time together is precious.” (Lolita)
Kris and Emily: – “When you are sitting alone in Iraq, you have a pencil and paper…I wrote her a lot. I learned a lot about her by the letters, and that sealed the deal for me. I wanted to marry her.” (Kris)
Joseph and Devon – “Having someone there for you and having the love and support of someone is incredible. I love not having to go through life feeling like I’m doing it by myself. “ Devon
Keilah and Duane - "If that person is really in love and in your heart, give yourself to that person and your marriage...love overcomes everything." (Keilah)
Jeff and Megan: – “It is hard work but we make it work for us. We feel we have accomplished something together.” (Jeff)
Napoleon and Michelle: – “It’s not Leave It To Beaver, but it still has the possibility of having the same happy ending.” (Napoleon)
Carl and Vikki: – “Our son Natey’s long illness and death was one of the defining situations we have faced, however our relationship is based on a deep commitment not only to family, but to each other.” (Carl)
Josh and Janel - "Marriage to this woman is awesome. People need to realize that marriage is a lifetime commitment." (Josh)
Eddie and Lameka: "I will always sit down at the end of the day and not think about what' is not, but think about what is. The most important thing is what is!" (Eddie)
Kris and Emily: – “Spend some time apart. When you are apart and hate being separated from that person, that is when you know you have found the perfect partner.” (Kris)
LOVE nests
Operation Us, Ozarks Marriage Matters and the St. Louis Healthy Marriage Coalition are organizations committed to marriage and relationship education. The groups commissioned us to document married couples in St. Louis, Springfield and Southwest Missouri for a unique, award winning national marketing campaign called "Love Nests". The goal was to create a variety of promotional materials including an inspiring calendar, billboards, and television commercials with photos and stories of couples who have overcome adversity in their marriages and are flourishing. L-o-v-e is such a simple word we use a great deal in our everyday world. We love pizza, we love our new house and we love those cool new shoes we just bought. And, not to say that we don't love those things, but what about the deep, true love experienced in a dedicated marriage? Have you ever met a couple and they were so in tune, through thick and thin, and you thought, Whats their secret? I want a little of that? We were blessed to photograph 15 intriguing couples in love at their own personal love nest (e.g., homes). We tasted real love within these Love Nests shoots. We found love does indeed exist in this day and age of struggles with very few role models! As we tracked from nest to nest throughout homes in Missouri, we were so struck by the idea that love really knows no boundaries. Every couple was so different and interesting, but no matter the clothes worn, the stories shared, the locations we were at, the circumstances behind the marriage, we were all ONE after we left each shoot. We walked away from the shoots pondering that no matter who we meet in life, if we fully love from the heart, we will recognize that we are all more alike than we know. We are all cut from the same wonderful mold. What an honor to be asked to share intimate moments with so many unique marriage warriors. If you are interested in exhibiting this collection at your own venue, organization, cause or event, or if you want more information on creating an exhibition of portraits and stories for your own cause, contact us via the information listed on the CONTACT page . By Shannon Bacon
Operation Us, Ozarks Marriage Matters and the St. Louis Healthy Marriage Coalition are organizations committed to marriage and relationship education. The groups commissioned us to document married couples in St. Louis, Springfield and Southwest Missouri for a unique, award winning national marketing campaign called "Love Nests". The goal was to create a variety of promotional materials including an inspiring calendar, billboards, and television commercials with photos and stories of couples who have overcome adversity in their marriages and are flourishing.
L-o-v-e is such a simple word we use a great deal in our everyday world. We love pizza, we love our new house and we love those cool new shoes we just bought. And, not to say that we don't love those things, but what about the deep, true love experienced in a dedicated marriage? Have you ever met a couple and they were so in tune, through thick and thin, and you thought, Whats their secret? I want a little of that?
We were blessed to photograph 15 intriguing couples in love at their own personal love nest (e.g., homes). We tasted real love within these Love Nests shoots. We found love does indeed exist in this day and age of struggles with very few role models!
As we tracked from nest to nest throughout homes in Missouri, we were so struck by the idea that love really knows no boundaries. Every couple was so different and interesting, but no matter the clothes worn, the stories shared, the locations we were at, the circumstances behind the marriage, we were all ONE after we left each shoot. We walked away from the shoots pondering that no matter who we meet in life, if we fully love from the heart, we will recognize that we are all more alike than we know. We are all cut from the same wonderful mold. What an honor to be asked to share intimate moments with so many unique marriage warriors.
If you are interested in exhibiting this collection at your own venue, organization, cause or event, or if you want more information on creating an exhibition of portraits and stories for your own cause, contact us via the information listed on the CONTACT page .
By Shannon Bacon
P.K. limps through Convoy’s outreach. It would be easy to assume he is homeless or a drug or alcohol addict. With his gnarled hands and missing teeth resulted because of a car accident. He teaches a huge life lesson about jumping to conclusions. “I have a degree in religion,” he says, “and I love to spread the Gospel.”
Rosenda is a widowed mother of nine and grandmother of 12. She scrapes by in a refugee camp where scrawny chickens and dogs seem to outnumber children and thieves have their way. “I was sick and God lifted me and I am well,” she says. A Convoy of Hope member gives Rosenda soap and she smells it with delight. “My joy comes from God and Convoy.”
Humidity from the languid Louisiana morning creeps into the shell of the Miller’s home-in-progress obliterated by Katrina. Matilda has an infection from cancer and finances are low. “Our hope is in God, Convoy of Hope and one another,” she says.
Breathtaking views of rich mountains and exotic greenery contrast the grinding poverty, stagnant pools of mosquito-infested water, and piles of stinking trash that plague the refugee camp. Gerald stands protectively over his daughter while she plays with her pet rat. His guarded, tough exterior dissipates as a Convoy of Hope team shares with his family.
Even before Katrina, Beverly’s life was challenging. She suffered a stroke and bouts of depression. The doctors said she would not walk again without a cane. Her purple house reflects the brightness in her heart. “I am a living testimony of the glory of God.”
Grandmother Victoria walks miles to dig clay for pottery. “Whatever I carry on my head I bring here,” she says. Fragrant gardenias with the scent of wood-burning stove fill the air. Victoria’s daughter, Dorothy, hunches over to perfect a pot. “We send three of twelve children to school with money from the pottery,” Dorothy says. “We wait for Convoy of Hope to come back.”
Missionary Elsie Moody asks Gloria where she is going when she dies. Gloria lowers her head and says, “I do not know.” Moody stares into her eyes and Gloria, through tears, admits she wants to go to Heaven. Moody places her hands on Gloria and they pray a healing prayer of salvation.
Like weeds prodding through cement, her words are slow. “Our house was filled with six feet of water… devastation,” says Alexis. The painted “0” on her house is indicative of the number of deceased found inside. “We knew how much of God’s love our house was built because of Him and Convoy of Hope.”
Christian feels privileged to ride home from school in a Convoy of Hope vehicle. “I like the air conditioning,” he says. His father is grateful when Convoy gives him seeds to plant when they can afford to buy fertilizer. Christian’s mother is thankful for Convoy of Hope and their Nurturing Hope Program. “I have gone to all of the nutrition classes,” she beams.
A makeshift shack is no place for a woman who can not rise due to heart problems. Estella is thankful her daughter makes $16 a month churning out pottery. “I stay hopeful because God is leading us,” says the daughter of Estella who has children she cannot afford to send to school. “The people of Convoy of Hope help.”
The children of Hector and Stacy play with balloons and pose for their first family portrait. The couple work, play, and dream in a garment of heaviness since the poor economy knocks the community like a tidal wave. They are grateful for Convoy’s outreach, especially for the immigration information and job fair booth.
Despite abject poverty and poor living conditions, the people of El Salvador are beautiful and wise in Spirit. They feel blessed and humbled by even the simplest acts of kindness. Convoy of Hope feeds 5,000 children a day in El Salvador. “We are not simply feeding children,” says Jeff Nene, Convoy of Hopes director of communications. “We are spreading the Gospel.”
The memories stream in with adrenaline precision. Hurricane Katrina ripped the life of David apart. He once was a happily married pastor, but the turmoil from the storm sent him into a self-indulgent tailspin of sin. Despite this, his wife didn’t give up hope he would return to his first love, God. Despite this, his wife didn’t give up hope he would return to his first love -- God. David was at his lowest when Convoy of Hope rebuilt their home. “I saw God’s hand,” he says.
Celecita is a widow left to raise nine children. She stands in disorder where a stuffed animal is the centerpiece of the dirt floored hut where fourteen family members reside. Ingrid, the bright spot in the house, is the only child blessed enough to go to school thanks to Convoy of Hope.
Janette is a second grade teacher who teaches 46 students in one small classroom. The temperature rises to 100 degrees, so lights remain off. Some sun illuminates crowded desks as mosquitoes bite. Janette is grateful Convoy of Hope has done an excellent job of bringing food and school supplies to the students.
A recovering drug addict, Jackie receives passionate prayer by Convoy of Hope volunteers in a jam-packed tent at a citywide outreach. Her presence is larger than life while she recites Scripture that anchors her soul. Today, God is the thing she craves.
The church next to El Tineral School has grown 70 percent in the last five years and averages 700 people weekly. “God sent Convoy of Hope to spread the Word about our need of a new church,” says Barahona. With the aid of Convoy, the church hosts days of evangelism in the community stricken with tremendous hardship.
Pastor Treadaway lost everything in Katrina, but the storm could not take away his relationship with Jesus. He found help from churches and Convoy of Hope. “Some said we were crazy to go back home, but hurting people were waiting who needed our help. We asked God what He would have us do,” he says as feelings he sequestered for years pour out like a flooding river.
Deasha and Jay snuggle and he smoothes her expectant belly. With a baby soon to arrive and unemployment in the air, the fragility of life is daunting. The economic turndown contributes to a bleak outlook. “This Convoy of Hope outreach is just that for us. It is hope.
Hermano felt the call of God as he watched a heart-wrenching TV program where a boy was brutally beaten. Before the boy died he accepted Christ as his Savior. The true story prompted Hermano to start an orphanage. “We were out of food so we prayed for food,” says Hermano. “A sister came with food that Convoy of Hope had given her. God sent her.”
The home of Beatrice was destroyed by a volcano. The gift of a bike from Convoy of Hope means she has a way to transport food to her family. Beatrice, who supports her six children almost entirely by herself, says the help from Convoy is monumental. “The Holy Spirit told me whatever comes my way He will be there for me,” she says.
Garner stands out in the crowd with a smile that is a beacon of light. He supports his family on $600 a month but is positive. “Now we have got God and His check, and that’s all we need. He once was a pastor and is motivated by Convoy of Hopes outreach.
reel LIVES
a filmframe window
in the lives we serve
Reel Lives was unveiled in a 55-foot Convoy of Hope semi-truck that was renovated into a state-of-the-art traveling art gallery. This debut exhibit featured a series of 34 - 2' x 4' portraits, touching stories and a full video presentation. It was originally unveiled to a national audience of over 30,000 in Orlando, FL at the Assemblies of God General Council in August, 2009. The truck then embarked on a national tour that ended in Colorado. This rare photo, story and video exhibit is a look at just a few of the over 28 million people who have had their lives impacted by Convoy of Hope. It features photographs by Randy Bacon and accompanying stories by Shannon Bacon. The exhibit reveals a snapshot in time of ordinary people with extraordinary stories of how their lives were improved after receiving help from Convoy of Hope. Over the course of several months, the Bacons traveled with Convoy of Hope and photographed and interviewed guests at citywide outreaches, disaster victims at their rebuilt homes and churches, and several families of the 18,000 children Convoy feeds every day. This gallery is an expression of love for those individuals and the many others whose lives have been touched by this ministry. If you are interested in exhibiting this collection at your own venue, organization, cause or event, or if you want more information on creating an exhibition of portraits and stories for your own cause, contact us via the information listed on the CONTACT page .story exerpts with photosby shannon bacon(complete Reel Lives stories available upon request)
Reel Lives was unveiled in a 55-foot Convoy of Hope semi-truck that was renovated into a state-of-the-art traveling art gallery. This debut exhibit featured a series of 34 - 2' x 4' portraits, touching stories and a full video presentation. It was originally unveiled to a national audience of over 30,000 in Orlando, FL at the Assemblies of God General Council in August, 2009. The truck then embarked on a national tour that ended in Colorado.
This rare photo, story and video exhibit is a look at just a few of the over 28 million people who have had their lives impacted by Convoy of Hope. It features photographs by Randy Bacon and accompanying stories by Shannon Bacon. The exhibit reveals a snapshot in time of ordinary people with extraordinary stories of how their lives were improved after receiving help from Convoy of Hope.
Over the course of several months, the Bacons traveled with Convoy of Hope and photographed and interviewed guests at citywide outreaches, disaster victims at their rebuilt homes and churches, and several families of the 18,000 children Convoy feeds every day. This gallery is an expression of love for those individuals and the many others whose lives have been touched by this ministry.
story exerpts with photos
(complete Reel Lives stories
available upon request)
field
OF TENTS
James River Assembly's (JRA) I Love America (ILA) is much more than the biggest Independence Day celebration in the Ozarks, where they typically host over 100,000 attendees. Forget the free fireworks, kids games and helicopter rides. What about the exciting air show and cool live music? Nope, not the main attraction - these things are the icing on the cake! The cake is that ILA is an unbelievable day of compassion and love...its all about the people.
JRA approached us with the request to document the I Love America celebration. When the Lindells (senior pastors) from JRA said, "It is amazing...wait until you see the thousands of people in the field in their tents", a light bulb went on in our heads. We knew we must capture the community at ILA in a moving "Field of Tents" exhibit.
To effectively capture the portraits, a complete photo studio was set up with lighting, backdrops and studio equipment inside a 20' x 20' tent... which went hand-in-hand with our creative concept of "Field of Tents". In addition, Randy and I roamed the grounds, photographing and interviewing people of all walks of life.
What kind of people go to ILA? How would we get people to come into our tent? What issues and high points would be unique to them? Who could use encouragement and inspiration through a portrait session and interview? We asked ourselves these questions as we drove out to the grounds. Randy and I had no defined plan on what to do that day. But we had faith we would connect with the people that needed compassion and encouragement. We had that gut feeling that the people we met would share stories that potentially had enough power to help others through a magical photo exhibit with their testimonies.
If you are interested in underwriting a photographic - cinematography project for your own organization. special cause or event, or if you want more information on exhibiting "Field of Tents", contact us via the information listed on the CONTACT page.
introduction
(complete Field of Tents stories
On April 23, 2009, Ashleigh and Kendall, lost their best friend - their dad - Joe. Kendall states, "I miss my dad a lot. He was my best friend. I wish I could hug him one more time. I will always remember how much fun we had together. I can't believe he is really gone."
My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when I was 13. Soon she needed help to perform daily functions and I realized what was going to happen. By the end, she could not speak, walk or feed herself. I lost my mom before she actually died. But I have joy because I will see her again. I love you.
I lost my husband the day before I delivered our daughter, Lawlli. Then we lost my brother. We lost 2 irreplaceable people, but we have found a family we can't make it without...Lost and Found
My husband, Pedro, was abducted, carjacked...TAKEN without any details! Then one year later we got the call...Pedro was found murdered. We think of you, Pedro, everyday. (Cassandra)
Saylor holding a portrait of herself that I took four years prior and just weeks after her father died tragically...her wounded heart is healing (words by Randy Bacon)
It has been several years since Rick, my husband and father to our two children died unexpectedly. We are better. Taking it one day at a time sounds corny, but it is the truth. (Lia and her girls)
My 8 year old son and I pulled upon the scene of an accident that involved my mom and Roman, my 5 year old son...I lost my loving mother and baby boy. My family, friends, church and God's love surrounded us, and I know that had a great role in our survival. And Lost and Found brougt 4 years of growth that helped us cope...we have learned to keep on living. (Sheila and son)
Ericka and I have had to learn how to be mom and daughter. She was closer to her dad, and she is the one who found him. Half of me is gone, and my heart bleeds (Sherri)
t's now been 3 years since Doug passed...we have learned that life is a journey, and while it is not the path we chose, we are walking side by side. (April and Kids)
Death is hard in any situation. Suicide is harder since there are only questions. What was he thinking? Then to explain to a 10-year-old child what happened is next to impossible. (Stacy)
The loss of our son is a crippling feeling that is leveling and beyond painful. While there are moments when we feel normal... we still leave with a constant sadness that he is not here. (Clif)
Sasha died at age 4. Jacob, her 7 year old brother found her entangled in loose curtain trim and was strangled. There are no words to describe the pain that followed...for me and my son. Within a few months, Jacob's mom left, leaving another hole. We love Sasha and know the life she is living now is better than anything here. We will be together again. (Jeremy)
It seems like only yesterday, but also forever since we heard your voice, saw your smile, and felt your strong arms around us. I miss your hands...I long for your love. We now can only read from your precious journals...we will cherish them forever.
Our mom, Darnella, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. She wore a necklace that read: "Cancer can take my body...it cannot take my memories, personality, soul or spirit. Now she isn't with us in the flesh, but she will always be with us in our hearts and everything we do...we'll see her again! (Anna & Colton)
Christa was born with a rare kidney disease; through her trials she became a brave, courageous fighter. She survived out of sheer will and determination for 25 years. I have learned from Christa's loss, to live each day to the fullest and spread kindness to those lives I touch. (Sherry, Christa's mother)
We lost Lori early this year to breast cancer. Just a few months ago I couldn't listen to Tim McGraw's "It's Your Love" without crying...Lori and I danced our first dance to that song. Our daughter listens to that song a lot (Mike)
Our mom, Beth was amazing, and she was our best friend. No one else can hug you like a mother...we will never feel that again. The only hope to help you really get through it is the help you get from God. When you turn all your pain over to God, He will give you the wisdom and strength to move forward in life. (Nikki & Veronica)
My dad died after having a routine surgery. The doctor came in and told us that Dad hadn't made it. We all miss him every day and it is hard, but we are healing. (Sarah)
My husband Justin had been playing professional football and began having numbness in his right hand. The diagnosis was two brain tumors...two weeks later he died. Through this, Lost and Found has helped us so much...we can now focus again on the good things and not just the sad things. (Tara and her children)
When my husband was murdered it knocked the wind out of me....no one ever made me feel as wanted as he did. I wait to see him walk through the door and sit down in his chair and tell me about his day or one of his corny jokes. Am I left feeling lost and lonely. (Jennifer and children)
I survived tragedies in my life but losing a child is by far the worst. But, by the grace of God, I will survive this one too. I miss Andrea and I struggle with why, but I trust God. (Betty & family)
I heard a loud "thump"...Roger, our son, had fallen back in his chair. I asked, "Are you okay?" I went to him and could tell he was not breathing...15 minutes later he was gone. The autopsy report found no cause for his death. God has been there for us...and we will be with him again. (Kim and family)
This is my daughter, Alana. She is an amazing person. This is Keeton, my son, on of the two most amazing people I know. Their mother, Tammy, died when they were 4 and 6 years old. We have come so far. Sometimes I cry because I get to be their Dad...I'm so lucky. (Toby and children)
My mother died of Alzheimer's. Even though she had Alzheimer's, we connected through laughter and joy we found with each other. Now, I find comfort in the Word of God...knowing His promise that death is not final. (Michael)
In this picture we are feeling happy and sad. Taylor, my younger sister, is sad because of not being able to see our mom again. I am looking happy and smiling because I know our mom is in a better place. (Alyssa and Taylor)
Twenty months since I lost my Sally. I still wake up every morning missing her and go to sleep thinking of her. One day at a time...baby steps. My kids and I are turning the corner and looking towards the future...biggest step so far. (Daniel)
We lost Jamie, their father and my husband to suicide. When I got the call from Lost and Found that we would be going to Randy Bacon Studio to get our portrait made, I was excited and sad at the same time. Jamie and I were planning to have a family portrait done, but we never did. I am so grateful for having this chance to have our family portrait made. This portrait, to me, is like a stepping stone. (Brooke)
Linde was the love of my life...my best gal since we were 15. When she died, part of me died too...I still talk to her every day. Lost and Found has been a Godsend for me and my family. We are slowly reinventing "normal"...it's getting better. Linde lives on in our family and will always be with us. (Chris)
mending of
HEARTS
The Lost & Found "Mending of Hearts" exhibit was unveiled in 2009 to thousands of viewers at the Randy Bacon Gallery in the Monarch Art Factory. Lost & Found, a non-profit grief center, provides free grief support services in a safe and supportive environment for children, young adults, and their families grieving the death of a loved one. The grief center offers families the opportunity to be with others who have experienced similar loss, and helps them reflect on the memories of their loved one in an understanding environment. For the photo project, over 40 families receiving grief support services from Lost & Found participated in the "Mending of Hearts". Each family shared their touching, heart-felt stories about their journey of healing and grief with the loss of their loved ones. The Lost & Found support groups met in our studio- gallery for a two-week period and shared their experiences as part of a community of grieving families needing encouragement from one another. Each family then took part in a portrait session with Randy, Shannon and staff. Their personal stories and photos reflected upon their emotional struggles, steps towards healing, and embracing a new life that will be forever changed. The impact of "Mending of Hearts" extends far beyond the opening art exhibit. The exhibit transitioned into a traveling photo exhibit displayed in art venues and businesses throughout the state in an effort to ensure that families know about the available free support services offered at Lost & Found. If you are interested in supporting a photographic - cinematography project for your own organization, special cause or event, or if you want more information on exhibiting Mending of Hearts, contact us via the information listed on the CONTACT page.by Shannon Bacon
The Lost & Found "Mending of Hearts" exhibit was unveiled in 2009 to thousands of viewers at the Randy Bacon Gallery in the Monarch Art Factory.
Lost & Found, a non-profit grief center, provides free grief support services in a safe and supportive environment for children, young adults, and their families grieving the death of a loved one. The grief center offers families the opportunity to be with others who have experienced similar loss, and helps them reflect on the memories of their loved one in an understanding environment.
For the photo project, over 40 families receiving grief support services from Lost & Found participated in the "Mending of Hearts". Each family shared their touching, heart-felt stories about their journey of healing and grief with the loss of their loved ones.
The Lost & Found support groups met in our studio- gallery for a two-week period and shared their experiences as part of a community of grieving families needing encouragement from one another. Each family then took part in a portrait session with Randy, Shannon and staff. Their personal stories and photos reflected upon their emotional struggles, steps towards healing, and embracing a new life that will be forever changed.
The impact of "Mending of Hearts" extends far beyond the opening art exhibit. The exhibit transitioned into a traveling photo exhibit displayed in art venues and businesses throughout the state in an effort to ensure that families know about the available free support services offered at Lost & Found.
If you are interested in supporting a photographic - cinematography project for your own organization, special cause or event, or if you want more information on exhibiting Mending of Hearts, contact us via the information listed on the CONTACT page.
by Shannon Bacon
PROJECTS >
