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upworthy

A couple waited 21 years to do 'newborn photos.' The story is amazing.

Most couples, if they do a newborn photo shoot, schedule it pretty soon after the baby is born. Rebecca Jensvold Hayes and David Ward waited 21 years.

The pair got pregnant when they were young — just two wide-eyed high-school sweethearts. By the time their son, Clay, was born, they had broken up.

Both found their way into love with different partners. Life moved on. And things were good.


But those early days of being a family together had sailed away, including the chance to ever capture on film their earliest moments together with their son.

"There was no burning desire to have had [newborn photos]," Hayes says. "Just a little mild sadness that I never did."

When the couple reunited years later, their son a grown man, they saw a unique (and hilarious) opportunity to recapture the past.

[rebelmouse-image 19530254 dam="1" original_size="1200x801" caption="All photos by Duffi/Chaotic Perfection Photography, used with permission." expand=1]All photos by Duffi/Chaotic Perfection Photography, used with permission.

Hayes and Ward both saw their partners tragically pass away far too soon, and though they had stayed in touch as co-parents over the years, life's strange design brought the couple back together again as adults.

Naturally, the first step was to organize the newborn photo shoot with Clayton that they never had.

Hayes says the family was all in as soon as she had the idea. It hardly took any convincing at all, even for 21-year-old Clayton, who could potentially be a little embarrassed by the whole thing.

"I think the ridiculous idea of it made us laugh so hard that we couldn't help but try to make it work," Hayes says.

Hayes downplays the emotional significance of the shoot, but the family's story has touched thousands of people all the same.

"A lot of people understand that we have had some really rough and difficult times, and us coming back together really touches people," she says. "This is just a dorky way to celebrate that."

It just goes to prove that there's no right way — or right time — to make a family. The only necessary ingredient is people who love each other deeply.

A little sense of humor doesn't hurt either. Like Hayes says, "There's so much ugliness in the world, especially now, why not have some fun?!"

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

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A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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