When I was in high school and my family was moving away (and thus I was convinced that my life was falling apart), my best friend’s mom wrote me something on a sticky note the morning after a sleepover. “Have faith. Repeat to yourself 3x/day: My life is unfolding perfectly.” I placed the note on the back of a photo of said best friend and me and tucked it into a frame. And on the toughest of days, I would follow her instructions. Little did I know that she was right. My life did unfold perfectly (albeit with some good-sized bumps) – years later, my life led me back to that town I hated to leave so much when I started dating my now husband. Sometimes, I still find myself saying that phrase.
Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled to be able to photograph my best friend’s extended family when they came for a visit. They traveled from NC, FL, and CO to gather together with all the littles and not-so-littles. They were so fun, and beautiful, and loving. They topped the evening off with a good round of bubbles. And, in the midst of the bubble-blowing and bubble-eating (yes, you read that right), I heard my best friend’s mom say, “This is the best kind of therapy – it makes you breathe deeply.” She was right, again. Thank you, Kathy, for all of your words of wisdom. And thanks to John for all of the laughs, of course. You have a beautiful family!