Thankful ...

I think we all have these ideas of what our lives are going to be like when we are young. We think becoming a ‘grown-up’ is going to make life ALL better; perhaps make like a little easier…OH…if we only knew.

I think the reality of it is we don’t really anticipate the disappointment that life can bring…AND…with that…we don’t anticipate the BLESSING that life can be either…

Sometimes it seems like this double-edged sword that no matter how hard you try, you can’t escape from it…which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, yet I think we embrace BLESSING yet dismiss the hard times because, well, it’s hard! Yet, with it all, I think God is trying to give us an idea of what we TRULY have, what we should TRULY be thankful for…

We try so hard to attain success, yet what really is the meaning of that word? As children we think having money is the key, or maybe making it to the 'big town' to make a name for ourselves is another thought…I don’t know really…I just know that as I’ve grown up, I’ve come to the realization that it doesn’t matter what ‘stuff’ I have, or if my name is plastered across the front page of the newspaper in recognition of something, but it’s who I am as a person that really matters…

Think about it…MOST people in the world who have EVERYTHING they’ve ever wanted are the most miserable people dwelling on the face of the earth! As the saying goes, ‘Money can’t buy happiness’; yet I also believe ‘Stuff’ can’t buy happiness either!

I’ve been BLESSED beyond measure with the many people in my life who have chosen to be a part of it...and despite my dreams of my younger years, and the hard times that life can sometimes bring, I think my life, to this point is perhaps what it should have been all along…and for that, I truly am BLESSED…

Models | Nick | Downtown South Bend

Embracing the differences that make us who we are is sometimes a difficult thing. While I believe everyone has beauty in their own, unique ways - many of us don't really recognize it in ourselves.

My sister Erin and I recently had the privilege of photographing Nick. He has a unique condition called Heterochromia Iridis, which basically means he has two different color eyes.

While some might consider this trait a 'mistake' in the genetic pool, we kinda' think it's no mistake at all. It's rather fascinating - and really, quite beautiful.

You might think there is something about you that might not be the BEST quality - or something that perhaps stands out among the masses that you wish didn't - but remember, you were crafted in such a way that you WOULD stand out. You're beautiful and unique, just the way you were intended to be. After all, God NEVER makes a mistake.