Joseph

Joseph

Age | 12

Photographer| Lisa Uesugi

I lost my dad so I chose my mom for this portrait. She sometimes helps me with my homework. She makes me happy because she takes us to the movies. Sometimes I like to bother and irritate her, but sometimes I help her around the house. Mom goes to work so she can buy us clothes and food. And since my dad died I have more responsibilities. Mom also takes us to Kids Hurt Too where we talk about our losses and it makes me feel better. She does more for us now that our dad is gone so I want to thank her for that. I want to find out more about myself and appreciate my mom more.

I am smart.
I can read Braille.
I will be rich.

My son, Joseph, took my picture. Sometimes I call him Joe or Joey. He is an eighth grader at Ilima Intermediate School and is the oldest of my three boys. He loves to go swimming, is learning to play the guitar and takes Taekwondo. He has even mastered Braille which assists him in reading when he is unable to see. Joseph helps me with everything. He is there when I need him. He is very responsible, considerate and always willing to try to do things even if it’s hard for him. I am so proud of Joseph because with all the obstacles he has had to go through (his dad’s death, my deployment to Iraq and having to move in with his half sister and away from school and friends) he came through fighting. He is very smart and willing to do his best at everything he does. He has accomplished so much in his life. Joseph has helped me with his brothers and took on the responsibility of being the man of the house. My dream for Joseph is for him to be successful in whatever he does. I hope that he will be happy in the path that he takes. Most of all I just want Joseph to be happy with who he is. “Joseph, I love you. You have helped me through a difficult time. I really appreciate everything you do and have done for me. I want you to know that no matter what, don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t do anything.

Maria Sonia | Mother

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