BFF

 My 7 year-old niece and I were talking today about BFF's - you know "Best Friends Forever."  We were discussing if family members can be your BFF, or if that's just for "friends."  I don't remember the outcome of the conversation, but I think I'm pretty sure I know who my BFF is.  You're looking at her.  

 The words that I would use to describe Bridgette would be the following: fun, faithful, friendly, humble, content, gracious, beautiful.  

Fun: I met Bridgette at a summer camp.  Many of our memories together are based on the times we had together on those hot, humid afternoons.

Faithful: When my Mom called to tell me that she had brain cancer, I picked up the phone and told Bridgette she had to come be with me.  15 minutes later, I was weeping in her arms... smelling the Panera she brought me, of course.  :)

Friendly: Everyone likes Bridgette.  Enough said.

Humble: Bridgette has worked so hard for everything in her life and is so deserving of it all.  She ALWAYS puts other people in front of her own self/desires.

Content: Bridgette takes NOTHING for granted.  NOTHING.  She appreciates life for what it is - life that she is able to live.  She is seriously as happy with little as she would be with much.

Graciously Beautiful: I combined the last two adjectives because I don't know that I need to explain her further.  Especially if you know her, you know what I mean!

 She'll always hold a special place in my heart because she was so close to my sweet Momma.  They share the same name, and I know why.  One certain people have that name.  Momma loved Bridgette because she, 15 years ago, saw the character in her that I see now that I am older.  One day I hope to have a daughter named "Bridgett," which is the spelling between my Momma "Bridget" and my sweet friend "Bridgette."  

 In exactly 3 weeks, I'll be watching Bridgette drive away with her new husband, and I'll be crying.  Tears of PURE JOY - I'm so grateful for this man - who cares so deeply for my friend.  I'm so grateful for the union that I'll get to experience.  It's truly something that we have desired for a long, long time.

I know that he'll make her smile forever...

...And, if he doesn't, I'll come after him.  And, I'll bring Rodney Beasley.  :)

I love you, Bridgette. 

Chad, I'm so happy that you're marrying my best friend.  I'm excited to share this journey called life with my new "brother-in-law." 

one lucky girl!

 Since I've been "away" a good bit and travel nursing mostly, I haven't been photographing as much as I used to.  The "break" has been good for me - I was so excited about all the shoots I was able to do this week while I was home.  

The couple above is Adam and Jessica Wright.  On the "outside" they're the mega couple of incredible photographer and talented musician (with Act of Congress).  But, take a stroll into their home, and they are just Adam and Jessica -- a couple who lovingly walk life together with their spouse.  I was so grateful that they appeased me and allowed me to do a little "at home" session with them.  

Earlier in the week, though, I got to steal Jessica away to shoot a wedding with me.  My long-time friend married her high-school sweetheart, and it was a sweet wedding.  I loved being apart of it.  Doesn't she look like Cinderella? 

Grandaddy

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for the image above.  My friend, Jessica Wright, was taking pictures of our family when my grandparents came by.  She suggested that we get a few of them with the kids, and now it will be the last picture taken with my sweet Grandaddy.

He's had a quick, hard battle with some medical problems and is presently home on hospice, about to go see Jesus.  We got to spend some sweet time as a family together yesterday, and I was able to tell him that he was the greatest Grandaddy I could ever imagine.  Dad was able to tell him how proud he was to be his son, and I got to see him respond to his wife's voice over and over again.  

I don't understand this life sometimes.  I don't understand why people I love leave my side.  I don't understand why suffering and grief seem, at times, to be winning.  All I know to do is to cling to the promise that, while I'm weary/battered/bruised, "my Jesus makes all things new."  (lyrics from Andrew Peterson)

"For troubles without number surround me, and my heart fails within me.  I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.  You are my help and my deliverer, O Lord, do not delay.  Come quickly."