22 Moving Photos That Show the Power of Family
Updated: Mar. 07, 2022This year, we asked readers a question: “When you think of ‘family,’ what’s the image you see?” The submissions, and the stories behind them, were all universal and remarkably moving.
Family is…
This year, Reader’s Digest asked it’s readers to share their favorite photos that embody the meaning of family. They responded with stunning photos and classic Reader’s Digest-style heartwarming stories.
Daddy’s girl
Photo by: Christina Decamp
This is Sgt. John R. Christian and our five-day-old firstborn, whom he had to leave behind when she was six months old for his third deployment as an Army K-9 bomb dog handler. Despite his being gone for most of her first year and not reuniting with her until she was 18 months old, they are absolutely best friends, forever a daddy’s girl. —Katie Christian, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Big brotherly love
Photo by: Dorothy Pelletier
Colby’s and Blake’s teams had lost their games that day. Colby (left) was taking it hard, so Blake was reminding him of what he’d done well. Brothers may argue and fight at times, but when the chips are down, big brothers are always close by. —Dorothy Pelletier, Taylors, South Carolina
Witnessing the beginning
Photo by: Lauren Anzevino
I was hired to photograph the Charles family in Cranford, New Jersey, a few days after baby Niam was brought home. Just before I took this shot, Kieran, the older son, was jumping on the bed behind his parents, so I suggested he go hug his mom and dad. Within seconds, he leaped right between them and they each kissed him on a cheek as they held Niam in their arms. Just like that, their new family of four came together to express their utmost happiness in all its security and warmth. —Lauren Anzevino, Westfield, New Jersey
The good book
Photo by: Kevin Dao
This is a photograph of my mother’s hands on top of her Bible. I took this photo on the morning of my older brother’s funeral services, on June 1, 2017, in Van Buren, Arkansas. It was the first time I’d been home in over ten years. My mother was sitting alone on the front porch and looking through the Bible for a specific psalm to be read during the service. The ring with the pink ice gemstone had just arrived that morning. It was a late Mother’s Day present my brother had mailed. —Kevin Dao, New York, New York
Endless love
Photo by: Chase Hamilton
We didn’t have a lot, but Skipper and Hudder (Dad and Mom) would put all six of us and our dog, Rex, in the station wagon and drive an hour to the beach in Belmar, New Jersey. Mom had Alzheimer’s and Dad had cancer here. This was their last trip. So grateful to have the memories. —Michael Hamilton, Belleville, New Jersey
Having a blast
Photo by: Ed Luckow
My brother-in-law Roger and his grandson Quinn were out in the yard playing with a hose and having so much fun. I grabbed my camera, went around the house, and caught this moment. Every time I look at it, I have to smile. —Ed Luckow, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Family homestead
Photo by: Kellie Carter
My grandpa grew up in this old house in southern Oklahoma. I would listen to him tell stories of pulling cotton and plowing the fields before the sun came up. I can still see him standing in the doorway, leaning against the door frame, with a toothpick in his mouth. Even though we’ve lost some pieces over the years, the strength of family is like this old homestead—leaning and cracked in some places, but still standing proudly through it all. —Kellie Carter, Newcastle, Oklahoma
The river of peace
Photo by: Sara Hammond
This is my dad fly-fishing on the Penobscot River at Abol Bridge Campground. My family has gone here for many years, starting when my grandparents were young. It’s a place filled with many memories, including this one. To me, it summarizes the beauty and peacefulness of time spent together. —Sara Hammond, Sanford, Maine
Capturing the good moments
Photo by: Natasha Meyer
Get them all together, get them to sit still for two minutes, make ’em all look happy … family picture day is a challenge. For this one, the photographer yelled “Jenna’s pregnant!” to get our attention. (She’s the one in green.) —George Desiderio, Coral Springs, Florida
Infectious joy
Photo by: Jubilee McGee
This is a picture of my daughter Hazel. She has created a bond between my husband and I that is unbreakable and stronger than ever. She is full of life, and most of all she is constantly making everyone she encounters happy. Whether we are at a family barbecue or at the grocery store, she is always bringing joy to others. She is pure happiness. —Iris McGee, Albany, New York
Beyond blood
Photo by: Madison Mackay
Sometimes the people who you consider to be your family aren’t always the ones you are related to by blood. I consider family to be the ones who will always be there for you no matter what, and who can make you laugh even on your darkest days. This photo was taken with some of the best friends a girl could ask for, and they’re family to me. Even though it was cold and rainy we still made the best of it and made some amazing memories. —Madison Mackay, Draper, Utah
Summer memories
Photo by: Lori Slump
“Family Is” time spent together celebrating special occasions. Our three daughters, their husbands, and our seven grandchildren came to our acreage near Chelsea, Iowa to celebrate our 70th birthdays. And since our birthdays both fall near the Independence Day holiday, what better way to celebrate than with fireworks on the 4th! This picture was taken by daughter Lori, as our four younger grandchildren were sitting on the dock watching the fireworks while our sons-in-law and three older grandchildren were setting off the fireworks next to the pond. It was the best family celebration ever! —Dennis and Susan Albers, Chelsea, Iowa
Through good times and bad
Photo by: Stephanie Marchant Portraits
This was one month after we received our oldest son’s devastating diagnosis (then age 4), of Sanfilippo syndrome, a degenerative terminal disease often described as childhood Alzheimer’s. We wanted to capture fond memories of our family and our children. We wanted to immortalize the relationship between our boys, when our oldest son was still the big brother, the protector, the one our youngest looked up to. One day, the roles will reverse, and our youngest son will be the one looking out for his big brother. This picture shows life as it should be. —Katharine Sink, Sachse, Texas
A shared legacy
Photo by: Breanna Walrath
This photo is of my Grammy’s hand as well as my three sisters’ hands and my hand. This was taken the night before she passed away. Her hands mean so much to us because they are hands that raised us and helped shaped us into the people we are today. —Emilee Kelly, Woodbury, Minnesota
A sense of belonging
Photo by: Andria Morse
When I look at this picture of my beautiful mama it says so much to me and it says everything between us. It’s OK that she doesn’t remember my name anymore because when she sees me she says “you belong to me” and that’s all I need. —Gayle Wroe-Johnson, Stillwater, Minnesota
A welcoming table
Photo by: Abigail Egan
Family is long talks at the kitchen table with my mother, a steaming mug of black tea with milk and one sugar cube in my hands. It’s where I told her my high school boyfriend broke up with me, where I decided what college I was going to attend, and where we laughed until we cried over something we can no longer recall. Tea will forever be the definition of family in my mother’s house. —Abigail Egan, Boston, Massachusetts
An enthusiastic greeting
Photo by: Rick Wilsen
In 2017, Meemaw and Peepaw drove to Orlando to visit its #1 attraction—our first grandchild! As evident in his expression, Bradson was pretty pleased to see his grandmother as well. Is there a greater joy than spending time with one’s first grandchild? We may go months between visits, but our special relationship picks up right where we left off. When next we meet we are assured to be greeted with an enthusiastic “MEE-MAW!! PEE PAW!!” —Sharon Wilsen, Sarasota, Florida
Tiny miracles
Photo by: Michelle Van Egdom
After being born early and spending time in the NICU, we were finally able to take our beautiful daughter home with us! What a perfect little miracle she is! Born on January 6, we lived with her in the NICU for the first part of her life. Between a crying baby and only a tiny couch to sleep on, it was a stressful time of very little sleep, so taking her home was one of the happiest days of our lives! —Ethan Brummel, Rock Valley, Iowa
The time we spend
Photo by: Lisa Thurman
To me, family is growing old together, and growing close together. My grandparents are the epitome of love, in its truest form. They embody everything that makes a family whole, and they share that honor with our community, far surpassing blood. Family is commitment. Perseverance. Encouragement. Dedication. Service. Loyalty. Faith. Prayer. Honor. Love. Timeless. —Lisa Thurman, Neosho, Missouri
Made in the hard moments
Photo by: Jenna Martin
Being a newborn is hard and they are sure to tell you all about it. Sleepless nights and sleepless days, but they are what makes a family. —Jenna Martin, Ramsey, Minnesota
Well-worn teamwork
Photo by: Renee Lund
What a wonderful sight to see family working together to get the job done. Driving cattle is tough enough and gets even tougher when strays head off in all directions. That’s when it’s great to have others there to lend a hand. —Renee Lund, Worland, Wyoming
The bond of sisterhood
Photo by: Laurel Holland
When I think of family I see my nieces, both independent and strong-willed while being completely selfless when it comes to the other. They are the vision of sisters, always protecting one another and sharing a hug. Either little sister is leading the way, or big sister is providing the guidance, but one is never far apart from the other. —Jacob Addison, Toccoa, Georgia. Next, check out these photo contest winners for Reader’s Digest’s Made in America contest.
