A Glimpse into Tomorrow...

We had a special opportunity. Our cousin (specifically my husbands' cousin) asked me to do her senior pictures. It's special because we have known her since she was born. The story of how she came to be even is a beautiful one. My husband is filipino so his family understands sacrificial love deeply. As family members have worked hard and sacrificed so much to come to America to ensure their children have the opportunity of a bright future. Something that I took for granted growing up. Mae's parents were separated across the world for years with the hope that one day they would be united as a family as American citizens. Once her dad, my husbands' uncle made it here the entire family rejoiced. It's a day I will always remember. Jun and I were actually young and in love in the beginning of our relationship at the time. We were still in high school. Jun's cousin had been in my classes since middle school when he arrived here in the States. Finally, after years of waiting and persevering, this beautiful loving couple and their son were together, as a family, under one roof. It was a short time later that the announcement was made that they were expecting another. Hence, Carlamae. Her parents are so madly in love to this day. The bond they share with their children is so beautiful and one which most of us desire. The entire family is humble, loyal, and family oriented. Uncle Romy, Mae's dad, has been there for Jun and I during a very difficult season when we were young and having to grow up too fast. When I didn't have adults in my life from my side of the family to protect us, Uncle Romy was quick to jump into dad mode to look out for us. In truth, this is how my husband's family is. His parents, his sister, Nanay (grandmother) was, and Mae's family. Arms open, no judgement. Just a loving embrace ready to help. This is a part of the reason I cherish my husband. This was his upbringing and how he is today with others.

We have been there through the years with Mae as she has been growing up into an absolutely beautiful young lady. From that cute little baby through the preschool years where we got to spoil her and take her off for fun cousin dates. We have been there to watch her play in her orchestra concerts and seen her thrive at all things she tries. This young lady can become fluent in a language over the course of summer, play violin and ukulele, play tennis, memorize and deliver long speeches, and so much more. Whatever she does, she does well! She amazes us constantly. She is now in that challenging season of deciding her future. At least she is trying to. So many questions, concerns and options. She has narrowed down her choices for college and making plans on where she will end up going and what the years will look like following this educational course. I understand how difficult this task is. To attempt to decide the path for the rest of one's life when you are still living at home and in high school. It's a bit foolish that we ask this of our youth, yet we do. As stressful as all of this is, she presses on with laughter, determined to choose the best path.

We have no doubt that whatever she decides to do, she will do well and be blessed. Her faith is important to her and something which is guiding her decisions. Mae, because I know you will see this, I want to remind you of how beautiful you are inside out. How capable and intelligent you are. You are gifted and talented. You are a daughter to the King of kings and never alone. We stand with you on this journey you are on to support you and cheer you on. We are always praying for you and bragging about you. We are excited for you as you finish up and enjoy your senior year of high school . You have a very bright future full of great opportunities. The choices you make today determine what is produced tomorrow. It's like planting a garden. You have spent your entire life tilling and nurturing the soil for the seeds to take a deep root. These seeds have been blossoming and producing abundant fruit. Continue to care for the soil and the plants, so that what you have been planting will burst into a great harvest. A harvest that you will take with you always into all eternity.

We had a great time doing your photo session. Not just because I love taking pictures and sharing stories but because it was time spent with you. We know how busy you are in this season of life, so you taking the time to hang out, talk about life and making memories with with us is something we will cherish always. A cousin date with three generations is not an every day occurrence though we should make it one. I love that you and I have a shared loved of coffee, boba tea and food.

In closing, your senior photo session may not be a typical one, but it was certainly an awesome one. We look forward to many more family memories shared together and what the future holds for you. Stay strong. Stay rooted. Stay focused. You are intelligent. You are beautiful. You are worthy.

"You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown, where feet may fail. And there I find You in the mystery, in oceans deep, my faith will stand." - Lyrics from Oceans by Hillsong United