I had the very special privilege of being a TN Farm Photographer and capturing Harold & Mildred at their home recently. I didn’t know what I was in for, but I can say I enjoyed my time with them more than I could have ever imagined. They gave me a little tour of their place as we took pictures and shared some stories and memories each step of the way. This showed me so much about the love they have for each other as well as for their family.
Their place holds so many special memories no doubt for others, too. Harold built their home himself many years ago without going into debt, and I could tell he was proud of that. I feel like their back door is the gateway to love, hospitality, and a good meal for their loved ones.
They showed me the creek where the grand kids loved to play, the holes in the ground dug by their grandson, the barn and field where loved ones had wed, Mildred’s garden that she so enjoys, the berry bushes by the creek used for jelly, Harold’s bobcat that has given him some trouble lately, the porch swing where they will sit and watch it rain, the “9 o’clock flowers” that bloom every night right before dark, and the chair Harold sits every morning to watch the birds feed. They have a momma deer with twins that come out every day in their field.
Their black cat (that just showed up one day as a kitten) followed us each step of the way during their session. Mildred called the cat “Harold’s cat” while Harold called it “Mildred’s cat”. I’m still not sure of the cat’s name, but I do know that I believe it is is more Harold’s cat than Mildred’s. haha
They spoke of different loved ones and their accomplishments. You can feel they are so proud of their family. They have a new grand baby. They had just sent canned goods and a fresh tomato pie to them in Middle TN. Well, I have never had tomato pie so Mildred made sure to give the recipe before I departed.
They have both had some recent health struggles that have made life harder and left some things around the house undone, but they are still getting up every day and enjoying the life they have together. They are loving each other and others hard and what a legacy they have made.
Time slowed down for me just a little bit while I was with them, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to do the portraits of them for their family. Being a TN Farm Photographer is for me!
– Rebekah
