04.17.2012
I love stories that begin with, “The doctors told us it would be impossible.” Especially in the case of the Pampo family. Aida and Fidencio were married for six years when they began wondering why they were unsuccessful at having children. After numerous consultations and tests it was determined that they were never going to have children. Disheartened but still filled with love and hopes for a child, they decided to adopt. A beautiful 2 yr old Russian girl named Kenna was in need of a family. Aida and Fidencio were in love upon meeting her and within a couple years they decided to adopt a little boy. Owen was 10 months old when he was welcomed in to the Pampo household. Their lives were complete now. A boy and a girl and two amazing parents. Life was good, all were happy.
We never know why God waits for us to quit longing for something until He decides it’s time for us to have it. Before Owen turned three, a miracle happened. Aida called her husband while he was a work and told him he better sit down. She was pregnant. Aiden would arrive months later and complete this beautiful family. Doctors had no explanation for this but that it went against all they were taught. Sometimes you just have to let go and let God. The children are indeed siblings. It’s the perfect family of the lovely older sister who gets annoyed every now and then with her little brothers, the middle child who is constantly being corrected and tough to control at times due to … well, stubborn-ness of a middle child (I would know best Owen, we’re in the same boat buddy!), and the youngest who even at six years old will forever be called the baby, and in Aiden’s case, a little miracle. I want to say that one of the highlights of this shoot was when I asked the family to stand close together in front of this pathway for a wide shot and Owen races towards the lens to be in the front. Everyone is voicing towards him to come back and quit messing around and Owen stands there in front of everyone and says, “this photo will be the 3D version!” We all just started laughing. He reminded me of my brother Jed making jokes like this as a child, such a sweet, sweet family.
I had the sweetest afternoon to meet with them at Balboa Park and photograph this beautiful family. Thank you for allowing me to do so, all my love! -Natalia
