Remember my Giving is Awesome giveaway at the end of last year? I finally got to meet the family that I chose to receive a photo session with me. And they were every bit as awesome and deserving as they should have been – I was greeted with hugs of gratitude, and yet it was me who should have been grateful to them, for letting me into their lives for a small amount of time.

They were nominated by a group of people who had been involved in raising funds to help with Amani’s schooling. Anyone who has met a child with special needs here in Abu Dhabi knows how limited the facilities and educators who can respond appropriately are – and how much it costs.

All I can say is they must have done a great job because in spite of some other family health issues and the trials and tribulations of daily life Amani is a delightful child – as is her gorgeous older sister Hasnah.Just as with all my families I focussed on capturing the connections that made them who they are as a family unit.

I think this is probably my new favourite image of 2010 – I’m not sure if it’s the eyelashes, or the glow of a mothers love that comes through the image – but I love it.

Thank you, thank you, for sharing the morning with me, for sharing yourselves with me, and to the wonderful people who nominated you for sharing your story with me – I had the warm fuzzies all day after meeting you – Giving really IS Awesome, Kirsty x