I usually decide what I am going to post about for this on a whim. Whatever I am currently loving or thankful for is usually make makes the cut. I was going to post about my current love, appreciation and thankfulness of Photoshop this week- complete with a few before and afters. But in the wake of the terrible destruction on OK I decided to turn this post inward and reflect on the thing I am truly thankful for.

My family- every one from my husband and girls, to parents and sisters, to my wonderful in law's. Knowing, with out a doubt, any one of them would be there for me or my kids at a moments notice leaves me with an incredible sense of security. I can't tell you how many times my mother and my mother-in-law have gotten calls from me last minute to see if they could watch my girls while they are sick. And they always say yes. And they give my girls the most wonderful care. Or how about the time my father-in-law and stepmother-in-law came over late to take care of my little Sophie while my brother-in-law took me to the ER when I was super sick and dehydrated while pregnant with Sadie. Every single one of them has touched my life in the most incredible way and I couldn't never truly express to them just how much they mean to me. I hope they know that I would do anything for them as well!

In the wake of this destruction always comes questions. Why did this have to happen? I wish I had an answer for all those parents who are trying to come to grips with this new reality they have found themselves thrust into. I can't begin to imagine their pain. I am not sure if I am the only one who does this but when I hear of tragedies like this I often try to put myself in their shoes. It isn't like I want to imagine what it would be like to loose my children- but more like an involuntary reaction that my mind automatically goes there. I honestly don't know how I would go on.  I sat on my couch last night, alone as my husband was on shift, and cried. Just cried. For all those lives lost. For all those people who survived but their lives will never be the same. And mostly, for those parents who lost their child because that is what hits home for me the most.

So I guess my rambling point is, never take for granted what you have in your life and remember to tell the people in your life how much they mean to you. You never know what may come. But also to remember the positive and reflect on the good and truly give thanks for the people in your life because they are the ones that make everything worth it.

A rare shot of both girls, together, looking AND smiling. I might have to canvas this!

Continue the circle at : Julie Livermoore Photography