Here is the submission:

“I just saw your contest/nomination information and felt compelled to nominate my aunt and uncle. Throughout their lives they have always struggled with unemployment, layoffs, going to school, keeping their marriage together…all while raising two children.

Despite all of the challenges they faced, they have stayed together and their marriage is stronger than ever. They have also raised two mature, dedicated children. But the story does not end there.

A few years ago (maybe five), my aunt felt like she wanted to do more for her community. She wanted to give children an opportunity to feel love and family. So she and my uncle became foster parents.
It has been an amazing experience for them.

A couple of years ago they took in a sibling group of four young children. They have loved them unconditionally, despite several developmental and emotional challenges. When the rights of the biological parents were terminated, my aunt and uncle stepped right up to adopt all four.

And even that is not all! A year and a half ago they were asked to take in a newborn. Although my aunt was hesitant, they did it. They still have that baby and the way things look, he may also be available for adoption and they are hoping to adopt him as well.

My aunt and uncle are not rich people. My uncle works a blue collar job and often works long hours. My aunt stays at home to take care of all of the children and my older cousin helps with the care as much as she can. She gets up at all hours of the night with the baby. She has worked very hard to potty train two of the sibling group (twins!). She sacrifices a lot to care for the children, get them to appointments, make sure they succeed in school…all while maintaining a strong faith and extended family.

I know that this probably sounds like rambling, and may not make much sense, but they are seriously the most deserving family I know. They have had a very hard time, especially this year (my aunt had surgery on her arm, which made child care very difficult and also had a cancer scare). And times will only get harder once the adoption is final and the children are 100% financially dependent on my aunt and uncle.

The adoption of the sibling group is scheduled to be final very soon (we were told December) and what better way to commemorate the new family than with a family photo taken by the best photographer around?!
Thank you for your consideration of this family. They have received recognition and nominations in the past (foster parents of the year!) but I think a family photo session would be something my aunt would cherish (she is the kind of woman with framed photos covering 90% of her walls!).

Thank you, thank you, thank you!”