I met Hotaru at the dedication ceremony of the Knoxville MEPS ceremony room. Her husband Sgt Michael H Ferschke Jr was killed in action before Mikey was born. For those that have met me, and know me, know that words are not my strong suit. I never can say the right thing, or the most comforting thing. The Ferschke family’s ordeal has really touched me and I wanted to be able to do something for them. I was thrilled when Hotaru was interested in having photos with baby Mikey done We had a great time and he is a sweet baby. I hope they enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them! To read more about the Ferschke’s family and what they are going through right now visit MSNBC’s link Makes you wonder about laws and common sense sometimes.

Oh, as a funny aside, I didn’t realize Wade, as in Wade Payne my studio mate was the photographer for Hota and family on that MSNBC link! ha!