Baby photoshoots are a common occasion for most new parents, but few have the same emotional meaning behind them as this one.
When Army Specialist Chris Harris lost his life in the line of duty, his widow had just recently discovered she was pregnant.
When their daughter was born, this mom decided to mark her new baby’s arrival in a unique way that paid tribute to her late husband’s memory.
Army Specialist Chris Harris and his wife, Britt, had been married for less than a year before he was deployed to Afghanistan.
Soon after their wedding, Britt learned that she was expecting their first child.
Sadly, Chris was killed by an explosive device just one week after finding out the happy news about Britt’s pregnancy.
Even though Chris was gone, Britt knew how close he had been with his unit and how he thought of them as a second family.
Britt decided to keep Chris’ friends from the military involved throughout her pregnancy.
Since Chris had considered them his extended family, Britt did too. She even planned a gender reveal party for them via video, so they could all find out together what the baby’s gender would be.
On March 17, 2018, Christian Michelle Harris was born.
She was named in honor of her late father and also inherited his bright blue eyes. Britt staged a military-themed newborn photoshoot featuring Chris’ jacket and boots, as well.
Soon, it was time for Christian to meet the rest of her family.
To mark the occasion of Christian meeting her father’s unit, the people who had supported Britt throughout her pregnancy and acted like family, Britt staged a photoshoot honoring Chris and his comrades.
The centerpiece of the shoot was this emotional photo of Christian being collectively held by her late father’s unit.
Britt shared the photo on Instagram with the caption, “Sometimes all we need to soothe our soul and ease our burdens is the loving hand of a friend gently touching our heart and lifting us towards love.”
The photo quickly went viral with thousands of people seeing and commenting on it.
Many people were incredibly touched by the photo and offered their condolences to Britt and Christian.
Christian is just over a year old now and Britt is committed to making sure that they both honor Chris’ memory.
Losing a loved one in the line of duty is one of the most painful experiences imaginable, but Britt’s creative tribute will keep her husband’s legacy alive for their daughter.
