Sometimes it just takes those little things in life to remind you that you are loved and appreciated. Last year I photographed little Q and J, and when I showed up at the farm, they ran to me and the next thing I knew I was surrounded with little arms squeezing me with love. Sonya and J couldn’t have done a better job raising these twins; they are the best kids I’ve ever met. The best. They darted to a sofa in the front room of their grandmother’s farmhouse and picked something up and quickly hid it in their tiny hands. All smiles and their eyes glimmering with joy, they handed me a bracelet. Not just any bracelet, but a thank you bracelet they made especially for me composed of colorful beads with my name on it and their initials and a little heart. At that moment my heart melted and tears swelled, and I exclaimed thank you! as I choked up with tears and a smile.
I am old enough to know that life rarely presents you with such opportunities and wonderful clients and I’ve learned to cherish them. As I was rearranging my home office, I un-packed a little box of “important things” and pulled out this bracelet. And just like that, my heart melted, again. I placed it front and center on my desk where I edit, email clients, and design albums almost daily, for hours on end, and when I’m feeling frustrated and sometimes under appreciated or loved, I glance at it, with tears and a smile – and instantly it reminds me that I am loved and appreciated.
