'I Have Joy': Bixby Woman Takes Free Photos Of People Recovering From Addiction

A Bixby woman started a photography business a few years ago and captures the happiest moments of people's lives, like their weddings.

But on the side, she takes photos of the moments that people aren't always proud of, and she does it for free.

As the old saying goes, 'a picture is worth a thousand words.' These photos capture Melissa Grogan's joy and redemption.

Two years ago, she would have thought it was hopeless. But that hopelessness turned into hope for Melissa when she decided to get clean after struggling with addiction.

"I was raised by two parents who were alcoholic and addicts. They were in and out of prison, and unfortunately, I became one of the statistics in that,” said Melissa. "I wanted to get help when I hit my rock bottom. When I almost became completely homeless and almost lost my kids. So I stepped out and asked for help."

She completed two programs and has been clean for two years.

Candice Love wanted to celebrate Melissa's milestone with a free photoshoot.

Melissa's daughter messaged Candice on Facebook after seeing this post about her Redemption Story Sessions. She nominated her mom because of her dedication to her recovery.

"My parents were addicts,” Candice said. “So I kind of saw a different perspective of what addiction can do. I was later adopted into a family, So I saw a different perspective, and I love being able to see when someone gets clean and sober. There is such a physical transformation that happens when someone does get sober."

She's capturing the before and the after of Melissa's journey.

"I am excited to show and share these pictures with my friends and family to show how far I have come,” said Melissa. “I have gained a better relationship with my children, and I have grandchildren, so I get to be a Mimi, and not only that, I graduated college and became a registered medical assistant, and I got an excellent job that I love. I have joy, just have so much."

That joy, strength, and redemption, all captured with a click of a button.