Not even high-end electronics make you feel the way those crayon-made cards do, or those sloppy little kisses…or those double-team hugs with one kid on each leg… or that look in your wife’s eyes (and the love in her voice) when she wishes you, “Happy Father’s Day.” That’s why our hearts went out to the Sanchez family in Sacramento.

Sgt. Russell Sanchez, Jr. is currently serving in Afghanistan. His wife, Vanessa, and their children, Faith and Emilio, wish him a Happy Father's Day and a safe return home to Sacramento. Vanessa told us, “I married not only my best friend but the best father any mother could ever want for her child.”

Happy Father’s Day, Russell! And to all the fathers serving in our military, and all the dads who can’t be with their families this Father’s Day, we want you to know that no matter how far from home you might be or how much time may pass, you are always in our thoughts and always, always in the hearts of those who love you.

We talked to Amy, of Amy Leigh Photography, about creating family portraits for Vanessa and Russell. Not only did she agree to take pictures of Vanessa and the kids for Russell to have while overseas, but she also offered to take their family portrait in September when Russell is due to return home. Vanessa and the Sacramento Parent Magazine staff extend our heartfelt thanks to her for this generous gift. You can view her work online at amyleighphotography.net.

If you can empathize with the Sanchez family, then you should know about Operation: Love ReUnited. Visit www.oplove.org, and learn how this organization is providing professional photographs to families like the Sanchezes, at no cost to them.