Michigan dad Vance Kirkwood has become a viral sensation thanks to a simple but deeply touching tradition. Every year since his son’s birth, he recreates the same photo with him.
In an interview with PEOPLE, the 35-year-old father of four shared that it all started by accident. After years of struggling with infertility, Vance and his wife Essence were overjoyed when their first child, now 7-year-old Vance Jr., was born. They captured every moment.
On the day of the first photo, Vance ran to the car to grab something and, instead of placing the baby in a car seat, tucked him under his coat, leaving only his tiny head visible. A friend burst out laughing and snapped a photo. The image was so sweet they instantly fell in love with it.
When the photo was shared online, it unexpectedly went viral. Encouraged by the reaction, the couple recreated the photo a year later, then again. Seven years on, the ‘coat photo’ has become a cherished family ritual.
Looking back, Vance says the images stir powerful emotions. ‘It’s proof that days feel long, but years fly by. Watching our miracle child grow is incredibly beautiful.’ Each photo captures the closeness and love between father and son.
Though the Kirkwoods now have four children, the annual coat photo with their eldest still happens every year just before Christmas. ‘When the holidays approach, we all know it’s time,’ Vance says. The family revisits old photos, notices how much he’s grown, and smiles at the little details that never change, like the birthmark on his chin.
Their son began to understand the tradition around age three and now eagerly awaits it himself. The family plans to continue the tradition for major milestones, including graduation and even his wedding.
Recently, Essence shared a behind-the-scenes TikTok while preparing for the next photo shoot. It racked up millions of views. ‘The response was overwhelming in the best way,’ Vance says. ‘People everywhere agreed on one thing: these moments are priceless in parenthood.’
Essence adds that she was moved by how strangers could feel their family’s warmth through just a few photos. Sometimes, going viral doesn’t require trends or tricks. Just love, time, and one old coat