It Was Time

I got the sweetest message not long ago.

These dog lovers wanted me to come and do a family session.

There was no putting it off.

There would soon be a move for their family.

Their oldest pup, Buddy, would not be subjected to the transition.

They needed to capture this chapter while they could.

Family photos were definitely in order.

They wanted a portrait, 

but they also wanted to simply remember how sweet life was with him.

So I showed up and took it all in.

Of course I asked them to tell me their story.

It turns out that Buddy came along before Joe did.

He was a stray, and she rescued him.

As is so often the case, Buddy rescued her too, 

her faithful companion through some really rough times.

After a move for Sue and Buddy, Joe noticed the girl next door.

I mean, she would have been hard to miss.

It really couldn't be more obvious that he's been smitten ever since.

Or that it's mutual.

There's a new dog in the house.

They adopted Killer about a year ago, and full of energy,

even while Buddy's was waning.

I got a text just two days later that Buddy passed away...

peacefully, asleep next to his mom.

He spared her the agony of the appointment with the vet.

I think their love will carry them through the loss.

Rest in peace, Buddy.

You were beautiful until the end.

You'll be loved forever.

Overcomer

Meet Jen.

She's a survivor.

And meet Diego...

...her right hand dog.
He's a lifesaver.
The love they share is beautiful.

Jen has had to overcome a lot of things.
One was breast cancer.
Another was 6 1/2 years of the demands of military service
as an army medic and mechanic.
She has also overcome a lot of challenges to get her degree
and become a licensed electrician.
She will tell you that if not for her animals,
she doesn't know how she would have made it this far.

But then I look at Diego.
I don't think he would have gotten too far if Jen hadn't rescued him, either.

We got together at Jen's lifelong stomping grounds
for a special celebration.

It was her birthday,
and the day she got the news that she is now four years cancer free.
Being the Vikings fan that she is,
she had a quick little wardrobe addition to commemorate the occasion.
(And since the new quarterback is #5, she's all set for next year too.
Do you suppose it's even remotely possible that in celebration of FIVE years
the Vikings could make it to the Super Bowl for her?)
As luck would have it,  her latest work project has been
WAAAAY up in the rafters of their new stadium construction.
Better her than me!!

Since our session at the park,
Jen has rescued another dog to share in the fun.
I look forward to meeting Tonka!

Jen, I'm so glad that you and Diego found each other,
and thankful for all the good things God has brought into your lives over the past year.
And I'm especially glad you are capturing so many treasured moments in photos.
It's hard for the challenges to stay at the forefront



in the face of so much joy.

Sweet Little One

Sweet Baby Girl,

On the day you were born, you came all fresh and new with the spring rain, 

while the air hung with the fragrance of crabapples and lilacs.

 

You were quite the little surprise, showing up sooner than anyone expected.

Your parents were amazed, and full of thanks to God for His gift of a healthy you.

Your grandparents had come all the way across the ocean,
and wouldn't you know they came early enough so they wouldn't miss a thing.
It was almost as though you had let them in on your little early Mother's Day secret.

It was the best gift EVER for your mom to celebrate being a mother with her own mother.
It just doesn't get any better.

Your grandfather was calling everyone he knew that day, it seemed, to tell them the good news.

Your grandmother went straight to work cleaning you up and caring for you.

At first you were not wild about being all unwrapped in the cold world,

 but apparently the water felt good, and the love felt even better.  You soon relaxed.

It took a little while to wash out all that hair--you lucky girl!

And then you were all fresh and clean, just like that!

It was time to wrap you back up, but first

a few extra seconds to admire your little toes.

Dressing babies can be a little complicated when you haven't done if for a long time (or ever).

You got a little overwhelmed with all the fuss,

but though your Papa didn't have too much practice with clothing you yet, 

he sure knew just how to calm you.

And then, your wonderful aunt walked in.

She was so excited to meet you!

The two of you have some fun girl times in your future!

Everyone who loves you is praising the God who made you.

He will tell your story as only the Author could.

May you grow to know and love Him a little more each day.

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power
through his Spirit in your inner being,
so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3 :16-19