A Fort Smith Christmas Story

Posted by: editor on December 18, 2011

Dear Friends, Collegues, Patrons, Students and Readers:

It is that time of year when our name, “Angel Kissed,” proclaims its real meaning.  Unknown to many of our readers is the story behind the name.  Each Christmas, the name becomes more meaningful and this is the bitter-sweet story:

My husband and I were on a one of my first big photography assignments in Mexico, Spring of 1995.  We received news that my beloved step-dad had passed away suddenly. My husband put me on a plane to go to the funeral.

I had not lived in Fort Smith, AR, for 25 years. Los Angeles, CA. was the city where I grew up, and my married life had been in Oklahoma City.  I always felt tied to Fort Smith because my family returned there so I could attend University in that state.

As I flew there to be present for my Mom, I day-dreamed of the Christmas of  1995 when many members of my family had been together. It was a heart-warming Christmas.

My wonderful step-Dad made pies with my mom and then he played with my toddling nieces and nephews. The children’s laughter was hysterical as he tossed them into the drifts of an early snow. They thought they could fly, his little snow angels.

The clouds outside of the plane lulled me to sleep and I dreamt of that joyous Christmas.  I thought I saw him tossing cherubs in the clouds, teaching them how to fly.

And “Dad” turned and smiled at me and kissed my cheek, just as he had done that Christmas Eve. 1995.

He said, “Take care of your mom; she’s getting older,” words he had really said on his last Christmas , but they seemed more meaningful to me in the dream.

So I knew then, before the plane ever landed, that my husband and I would move to Fort Smith, AR. We would name my first American photography studio, “Angel Kissed,” in honor of my step-dad and my Mom.

15 years after that plane ride, Mom passed away in 2010, but a photograph of her and my step-dad,  from that 1995 Christmas, is prominently displayed on studio gallery wall.   They stand as a welcoming hallmark of  the Christmas Spirit of generosity and hospitality.

Thier character has become part of the old-fashioned warmth, charm and friendliness of Angel Kissed Photography.

For me, Christmas is the joy of time spent with family and friends who are the angels of our lives.   We are all “angel-kissed,” by This Special Season, and the memories we make and keep.

We take this time to wish you, our friends, clients and readers,  a Magical Holiday. May your homes be filled with joy and your hearts be filled with love.

Personally Yours,

CharMaine R. Beleele