Sweet Dreams for Soldiers

It was such a magical moment in my personal if when I got the letter referenced below from Ellis that I had to share both my thoughts and where they've led. The following is an article the describes our involvement with Sweet Dreams for Soldiers.

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Kim Crenshaw, of Kim Crenshaw Photography in Apex, N.C. is on a mission, a mission to provide family photographs on pillow cases to active military personnel defending our country. Sunday, February 7, 2010, from noon – 6 p.m. any military family can bring their own 100% white cotton pillow case to The Streets at Southpoint Center Court and Kim will take their photograph for free. Within In a few days Kim Crenshaw Photography, Tom McFadden of Perfect Promotions and The Streets at Southpoint will make complimentary arrangements for the family photo to be screen printed on their own pillow case and returned to the family for shipping to their loved ones.

When asked about this effort, Kim Crenshaw explains; “When a very dear friend of ours, Ellis, was deployed to Iraq I wanted to send him a care package from home. I filled it with lots of snacks, candy, soaps, etc., but I also wanted to include some photos of his wife and son. I had them come to my studio and during our photo session I had Sarah and Braxton lay down on a bed with blanket and pillow as they pretended to sleep. (In Braxton’s case, pretending was a lot of fun.) I then had that image screen printed onto a pillowcase and included it in the care package. Little did I know the impact it would have.”

Kim continues “I should have realized that a lonely soldier far from home would love to lay their head next to their dear family. Even if it was just images of them, it would bring them together each night in thoughts and in dreams.”

“When I received a letter from Ellis, I truly understood just how meaningful the pillowcase became to him. Here is just a part of the letter I received from Ellis describing to me what the pillowcase and images have brought to him.”

Kim: You have found something that has extended your presence beyond the physical. In each photograph that I have received not only do I see my wife and my son, I see your goodness which, luckily, is my fortune. This place would be 10 times worse than it is, if I didn’t have the security of knowing that someone back home was thinking and praying for me. Every time I think that the day is unbearable and I just can’t take anymore, I lay my head on my pillow, where my family is waiting for me. Thank you so much for bringing my family to me, one night at a time. Your gift is a miracle and your friendship is a God-send and I am thankful for both.

“First I cried as I read and re-read the letter, then I decided that all of our soldiers deserve to have their families with them every time they lay down in their bunks. So I am here, partnered with The Streets at Southpoint to do just that.”

Patrick Anderson, The Streets at Southpoint Sr. General Manager stated “We are excited to be able to partner with Kim Crenshaw and Tom McFadden to help make this happen. This event is a commendable way to support our military and we’re fortunate to be able to help them do this for our community,”

Kim's work is on display in her gallery at http://www.KimCrenshaw.com.