This Creative Family Photo Tells A Story Of Love, Loss And Hope

In the caption, Roussel shared a sweet tribute to her father. “When I look at this picture of my parents’ 17 grandkids, I notice in particular those five rainbow babies who brought so much joy in the months and years after my Dad passed away,” she wrote. “We miss him so much, but we feel his presence every day through the love and joy of all these kids.”

Roussel and her family did not expect the overwhelming reaction to their photo. “It really took on a life of its own and just started popping up everywhere! My kids think it’s super fun,” she said.

“Also, my sister-in-law snapped away for about five or six minutes before declaring she ‘got it,’ so the entire process was very fast,” she added. “We took it with such little effort or fanfare that it’s crazy to think it’d go viral!”

People have shared their own similar family photos, both in the Love What Matters comments section and on Pinterest.

“I think so many people can relate to the joy that comes from being with extended family and having all your little ones together,” Roussel told HuffPost. “It just puts a smile on your face to see 17 little cousins lined up together on the beach. In addition, while the image itself is beautiful, I think people are touched by the bittersweet story behind the photo as well.”

The mom said she hopes the photo brightens people’s days. She added, “I also hope it encourages people to meet up with family and snap a few pictures!”