There is no doubt that military families have to sacrifice a lot, especially when a parent is deployed.
"Every time families move, children have to make new friends, get used to new schools, and find new clubs and teams to join," photographer Vanessa Hicks said. "So, I wanted to document a special moment with a little girl and the one person that she looks up to the most, the one person who fights for our freedom."
That's why it's extra sweet when these parents are reunited with their kids, for a special moment.
Navy Lieut. Andrew Bradstreet with his daughter, Aliya.
Air Force Captain Jake Sabin with his daughter, Lila
"We try to make the best of the moments we do have together because there will be times where I will miss a birthday, a first day of school, a concert or a sports event," Sabin said.
Navy Lieut. Josh Hicks with his daughter, Tatyana
Navy Lieut. Josh Hicks with this daughter, Jasmine
Army Maj. Matt Bender with daughter, Maddie
"I have missed a portion of her life due to my chosen profession and it remains one of the toughest things I have done," Bender added. "And let's face the reality "” when your only daughter wants to have a tea party, Daddy sits down and has a tea party."
U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instructor, Kevin Porter with daughter, Ashley.
"She doesn't get to see him much due to work, deployment, and most recently his job as a drill instructor," said Kevin's wife, Lizette Porter. "Any time they can get together she is sure to take advantage of it."
"He knew he was taking pictures but not with the tea party set up. He was an awesome sport about it and she loved every minute of it!" Kyndal Rose, the photographer said.
Source: Today / Daily Mail