Well, I don’t even know where to begin with this blog, because it’s extra special to me. The joy and happiness that Whitley and Justice share is as pretty as the ring he put on her finger a few weeks ago. They are absolute proof that love catches you off guard, and turns you inside out and upside down. We all saw it instantly. We saw how they looked at each other, how their eyes sparkled. They couldn’t have hid it if they wanted to. And they didn’t want to anyway. It’s been the most beautiful whirlwind.
Whitley was just two years old when Billy Joe and I married, and I’ve never seen her happier. Through the last 27 years, I’ve watched her grow and change so much. She went from a sweet, giggly little blonde who flipped and cheered with every breath into a hardworking mother to our precious Rhett. He keeps her hopping, and with this golf-loving boy who is full of hilarious comments- there’s never a dull moment. But, then along came Justice, with little Sadie in tow. We instantly fell in love with her sparkly eyes and quick wit too. She bounces in just like the rest of the kiddos, and we like it that way. What’s amazing is that it feels like Justice has been a part of our family forever, even though it’s only been a few months. He jumps in to help where needed, and loves to hang out and eat like the rest of us.
And I can’t leave out the moment that led to some of my favorite images from this session. It’s no secret that Mema, Whitley’s great-grandmother equally worried about and adored her grandchildren. She would have been so proud to see these two together, and it was like her seal of approval came through in full force during this session. Mema LOVED wild growing forsythia, and right when we turned into a road, there was a whole row of it, nearly in full yellow blooms. I couldn’t believe it! We had to go back, deal with a couple of pups who weren’t too sure we should be there, and get those shots. I’m happy with all we made, but those are my favorite.
Whitley and Justice, I can’t find the right words to say how happy that I am for you both. You are perfect together, and anyone can see it. Justice, I see the peace and contentment with Whitley that is because of you. And I see how she hugs you, and how her step is a bit lighter, and so so happy. Your story is proof once again, that when the time is right – love will walk right into your life. I know times won’t always be full flowers and diamond rings; life has a way of throwing us a few curve-balls. But overcoming those obstacles is much easier when you have someone at your side fighting the same battle with the same goals.
My prayer is that you always love deeply and walk forward hand in hand with the same glitter in your eyes that we all see today.
Love and blessings, Pat
