“Sons may grow into men and grow out of their toys, but in the hearts of their mothers they are still their little boys.” — Unknown

One of the greatests hopes of a mother may quite possibly be that he finds a woman who fills his heart in a way he has never known — to find unconditional love that is a reflection of faith and authenticity. When this happens she will still cry about the passage of time, but her cup will runneth over knowing that he has found a home in a woman who is a part of his soul.

On the day I first met Madison, I knew that she was my son’s best friend. I knew that she loved him. And I knew that she cared deeply for him. Even better yet was the fact that we all fell in love with her, too! On the day that Cameron told me he was leaving college in Norfolk to move to western Nebraska, I was apprehensive…but only for selfish reasons. I knew that he would be far from me. What I also knew was that he had began to form bonds with Madison’s family — he ultimately began farming and ranching with her family and he couldn’t be happier.

In what felt like the blink of an eye, I watched Cameron find himself. He loved everything about this new part of the state and he was happy in the life he was forming there. All of his happiness in his relationship and work filled my heart with joy. But the best part of it? The best part was knowing that he was loved by Madison’s family. They have always loved my son like one of their own, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

When I pray, I speak words of gratitude. God gave me a son who is happy, knows how to work hard, and is fulfilled by life’s simplicity and his faith. When we drove home from Benkelman last weekend, I cried. I had no words to explain my tears, but it literally felt like my heart was bursting. Moments are fleeting; the days feel long but the years are short. Next March I will watch my oldest son marry his best friend and I couldn’t be more proud.

To Cameron, never forget how much you are loved. You are are my firstborn, the one who gave me the title of ‘mother’ and one of the reasons I thank God every single day. Sophocles was right when he said, “Sons are the anchors of a mother’s life.”

To Madison, always know that you are loved beyond measure. I could not ask for a better person to walk through the journey of life with my son. Of all women my son could have chosen, I thank God that he chose you.

It seemed that at one point we would never have this session due to the weather.  And then, it seemed that we may never finish it…!  Yes, sometimes Mother Nature does her own thing and she doesn’t ask me what I want.  And sometimes, it works out even better than I originally planned.  I’d say that’s what happened with the wonderful couple of maelyn+logan.  The first session we had (which had already been rescheduled due to weather) was rained out when we were only partially finished.  This meant that I was going to have the privilege of working with a wonderful couple not once, but twice!  Naturally, as fate would have it, we had to find a second time for the second session, also.  In the end, we ended up with some beautiful fall photos and I got to know a great couple even more!  I’m looking forward to their wedding this summer.  I sincerely hope it doesn’t rain on their wedding day, but I’ve heard that rain can be considered a blessing for a long, happy marriage!  Who knows what the day will bring, but I’m sure it’ll be fantastic!