a celebration of life …

What a week it’s been!  I thank you, thank you, thank you … for all the love, support, and prayers you’ve given to me and to my friend Lori’s family …

I’m in awe of the kindness of those not only close to me, but those I’ve not even met before.  Your words have inspired me and carried me.

Lori’s service last night was a completely awesome {in the very literal sense of the word} celebration of her life.  Thank you to those who came, it meant more than you know to see your faces and feel your support.  I wish her service could have been televised … it was that special.  God’s presence definitely made known.  In so many ways.

I wish every single one of you could of heard what a special woman, mother, friend, daughter, wife … child of God, Lori was.

The Bible tells us David was a man after God’s own heart … well, in my lifetime … Lori is my David and I have to believe with everything inside me, she is a woman after God’s own heart.

Lord, we will miss her on earth … but I have no doubt you have your arms wrapped tightly around her until we get to hold her again.

In keeping with the celebration of life … I wanted to share an image of expectancy … not loss … I hope this makes you smile, as it does me.

I photographed my good friend Nellie this past week … her maternity photos … we’ve been waiting nothing short of 7.5 months to take these?!?

I’ve only edited the one … and I don’t think she’ll mind me sharing it here, along with Lori’s life.

I think after the losses we suffer, it’s important to remember there’s also the miracle of life.  God has his hand on us full circle.

milwaukee maternity photographer

Enjoy your weekend, hug your kids, call your mom and tell her you love her.  ;)

CJ and I are headed to Chicago this weekend to recharge our martial batteries, hold hands, and connect.

I pray God’s richest blessings on all of you …

5 Comments

  1. Lisa Mahnke September 18, 2009 at 10:16 am

    thanks for sharing that beautiful pictures of Nellie! your blogs always bring tears to my eyes. I might have to stop reading! (not!)

    Reply
  2. Leslie September 18, 2009 at 10:34 am

    I’m so glad that Lori’s service went wonderfully. I truly wish I could have been there. I’m sure it was moving.

    I’m so glad you posted the photo of Nellie . . . she’s the epitome of “glowing”, isn’t she?? Beautiful in every way!!

    Enjoy the weekend away with your hubs, Tracie! Sounds like a wonderful plan for you both! Hugs!!

    Reply
  3. Amy September 18, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    Nellie’s picture is stunning and Lori’s service was incredible. I also wish it was televised. I wish I would have known her, it seems like it was such a blessing. As mentioned, I caught a glimpse of her and feel blessed to have done that.

    Reply
  4. Heather September 18, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    Sounds like it was an amazing celebration & tribute to a wonderful woman…I wish I was there!

    The photo of Nellie is beautiful and a good reminder of God’s blessings. I had Olivia about a month after my Grandma died and smile a bit (or a lot actually) everytime I see Olivia pout as it is the same pouty expression my Grandma had from time to time! :-)

    I hope your weekend is relaxing, fun and refreshing! Enjoy your time together!

    Reply
  5. Brigitte Short September 21, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    Nellie looks absolutely breathtaking! And to think she didn’t want to go thru with it!
    Lori’s service was eye-opening. It touched my heart beyond words.

    Reply

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