This blog is such a gift – on so many levels. I’m blessed beyond my wildest dreams to have a job that allows me the opportunity each day to share in life’s happiest moments. Births, families, engagements, expecting, just because, engagements, love stories, my nephew (he gets his own) and many more.  Through it all, I’ve promised to share my heart and photos here on my blog with you all.

Today – my heart is heavy.

Just this past Thursday before driving out to Danville to photograph my sister’s proposal, I received news that a sweet friend of mine was killed in a tragic car accident. Katie went to the same grade school as I did and was in my class. With only 25 people in our class, we knew each other very well and we were all friends. Katie was pure sunshine – beautiful, inside and out. After graduating from grade school and moving on to separate high schools, Katie and I lost touch. However, she went to the same church as me so I was lucky enough to run into her a number of times since the 8th grade – Christmases, Easter’s and various services at church. Katie always had a smile on her face. She’d light up a room.

Today we celebrated her life in my home parish which was packed – a true testament to how much she was loved and adored. Katie’s mom, Liz, gave Katie’s tribute at the end of her service. Her first words:

“We all have a choice. We can see the glass as half full. We can see the glass as half empty. My glass is overflowing.”

As my own personal way of celebrating and remembering Katie’s life today, I wanted to share this message here with you all. Life can be messy. At times it’s unfair. Through it all, we have the choice.  We have the power to turn things around. We can say yes. We can say no. We can act. We can forgive. We can change our lives and the lives around us for the better with every second. We simply have to choose to do so.

Wishing you all so much comfort and peace. Make today count. XO

Posted in Personal