We had a pretty good weekend around here. Friday night was my 25th high school reunion. Thanks to Facebook, I did not have to tell my story to anyone. I was so very grateful for that. Friends bravely and quietly acknowledged our loss. I know that was probably scary for them to do, but it meant a lot to me.
There is never enough time to catch up with everyone, even when a group isn't that large, but overall it felt relaxed, supportive, and un-rushed. My friend Judy and I managed to stay up until 2:30, which I consider pretty darn good.
The camera part of my iphone "disappeared" early in the evening, brought back later by helpful texted instructions from my 14 year old nephew. Got to love a teenager who can figure out in 10 seconds what I'd been struggling with all evening. As a result, I only have a few pictures. Here's one with my friend Helen so you can see my $35.00 New York and Company wrap dress. Super easy and I got to wear cushy (Aerosole) black suede boots with it. Yay for being warm and comfortable! You may remember Helen from when I wrote about her here. Love that woman!
Saturday we got our family picture taken by the amazing Dorie Howell. Dorie is a professional photographer and a reader here at An Inch of Gray. I was reluctant to get the photos taken because I was mad at myself for not putting more of an effort in when Jack was here. I mean how handsome would he have looked out in a field with the sun going down behind him? Sheesh.
We did it anyway, and my Jack necklace hopefully keeps him in the picture. Here's the first one Dorie sent us. I am freaking out at how good it is. If I had known professional photos could de-jowlify me and erase the effects of a 5-ish beer 25th reunion the night before, I would have jumped on this sooner!
Looking forward to sharing more photos with you soon.
Love and light to you as you start your week.
36 comments:
Great pictures....your beautiful people inside and out!
I was running on Sunday with a friend and passed Tim along the way. I said good morning to him but the real reason for me telling you this is that ALL I really wanted to do was stop him, give him a HUGE HUG and say I care and I bet its hard but your doing a great thing for yourself going out running. But I didn't want to freak him out and think I am a total looney. So good moring was what it was. Anyway....maybe one day I will step out of my comfort zone , give the huge hug and NOT CARE what he thinks of the looney lady running!
luv2run
you guys are beautiful (inside and out). Hugs and love to you all. Glad to see you had a good time at the reunion. prayers always coming your way.
I love the family picture! And so great to see Mrs. Schaeffer here! The both of you look awesome!
Beautiful photo! I was never into family photos, either. Then we took some last fall...and I loved them! There is something about a professional photo, when taken in a natural environment, that makes the experience and the photos so great!
you are soooo brave to take that photo! and it so so gorgeous! and Jack is there!
Stunning photo and so glad your reunion went well. Xx
Margaret looks so much like Jack in that picture! What a beautiful family you have there.
I love how you write about Helen and got a little girl crush on her myself.
Your friend the photographer did a great job. I wouldn't have thought of taking pictures at sunset, because I think it would turn out too dark, but the light is just right.
Oh holy moly, that photo. Wow. All so GORGEOUS. Wishing Jack was with you in body, too, Anna. I know you all were. And praying there is a photo booth in heaven where you can all get your photo taken together again, with crazy hats and silly boas... Until then, praying for each of you constantly.
Anna you look beautiful at your school reunion. I hope you had a good time and it wasn't too difficult for you.
The family photo is so beautiful. Including the Jack necklace. Margaret is growing up so much - such a gorgeous girl.
I think i need some family photos this summer! (instead of just furniture!!)
all the best.
Fiona xx
so glad you enjoyed yourself at the reunion- you deserve it!
and your family photo.... stunning. i think the necklace is a great way to bring jack into the picture, though i know in your hearts he is there.
I've been checking the blog obsessively since Sat morning to see if you posted an update on your reunion. The dress was PERFECT - just as you described it to me - and the color gorgeous on you. (And, no darts!!!) I'm so glad that Facebook was able to help you as you described and that you had fun.
The family picture is stunning, and hope you enjoy the rest of them. What is there to de-jowlify?? I see none of it. You are beautiful. (I have my own girl-crush, you see.)
Andrew had fun at Operation Christmas Child and we thank Jack for helping ease him in.
-Colleen
I don't think you guys could be any more gorgeous, and I love how you were able to have Jack in the photo. He is always there, but I love that his beautiful face is showing from your necklace. And yes, he would have looked so handsome in that field. Please know, that I think of you and your family daily and send out thoughts and prayers for peace for you all.
Also, loved the green dress at the reunion, you looked like a HOT Mama!
What a beautiful family photo. Love, love that necklace. Glad you enjoyed your reunion.
xoxo
Beautiful. All of it, just beautiful.
Love and prayers from the other side of town...
I'm happy that necklace brings you peace for the photo. ANd so many other times.
xo
I love that this post took me back to the post about how seriously wonderful your friend is, and then back further to the hilarious story about your "refrigerator incident." Laughing and crying while reading through your blog as usual! So glad you had fun at your reunion. Reconnecting with people who knew you when is so good for the heart! You look happy, beautiful, and glowing in both pictures. Xo
Gorgeous!
But then, with you guys it doesn't take much. ;-)
I'm so glad your reunion was wonderful! I loved mine last month. You're gorgeous. xo
Stunning. You ~ and your sweet family.
And Jack? With him being so permanently etched in our hearts, he will always ~ always ~ be in the picture.
Wow ! I just want to say - you, and your family, are absolutely beautiful ! Jack is with you there too.....
You all look gorgeous. and yes, I believe Jack is with you.
You look stunning! You ladies do not look like you are at your "25" year HS reunion. Wow!
And fantastic family photo...I do see Jack:). XO- NoVa Jen
GORGEOUS photo!!!! I love it! it's so pretty and perfect. I mean... well you know what i mean. As perfect as it can be. :) xo
Good for you of you. What a remarkable family Jack has.....
Meant to say good for all of you. I know better than to type sans reading glasses....
I just read your previous post about Helen, wow! I thought she was amazing when she was my field hockey coach. I recognized her dedication then, but now as a teacher and parent, I can't imagine mustering the energy and enthusiasm practice after practice, game after game. I didn't know about the changes in her life, but she looks even more amazing for it! You look fabulous as ever too Anna!
Just lovely. It's nice that you can see the Jack necklace in the photo, but just from reading your blog, it's clear to me that Jack is the light glowing behind your family.
As I prayed for you on your reunion night, all I could think of was our reunion with Jack. I'm so glad you were saved some heartache due to fb and were able to find your beautiful smile that evening. Now just imagine our reunion made possible through the blood of Jesus and the power of his resurrection. I'm sure this will be a zillion times better!
Prayed you through the rain last night!
Love you! Karen
Anna, I love how you wore the necklace in the photo. I went back and reread the post about your friend. Oh, how I love how you write. Can't wait for your book!
Your picture is beautiful, and I love the necklace! A wonderful photo of an incredibly lovely family of four. :)
I have to tell you this was a great and timely post! Long story (hopefully) shorter- we just moved into a new house, and half of me wants a family portrait for the new living room.... and half of me has refused family portraits of any kind in the 4.75 years since my eldest son died. I don't want that empty space where the 4th used to be... It is the ONE thing that stops me in my tracks (in every other grieving moment I am much less frozen)
You have inspired me to think about it again- THANK YOU!
That is one beautiful photograph - you guys all look amazing. I need a professional photographer to dejowlify and de-wine-ify my photos from now on.
So glad you went to your reunion.
I'm so happy that it went well. Your dress looks wonderful.
Your family picture is lovely.
You're so photogenic! I'm glad you were able to enjoy your reunion.
Beautiful picture, Anna. I'm glad you were able to keep a piece of Jack in the picture with you.
Our family had our first professional picture taken since losing Joey and adding Evan to our family. It was hard, but we took one picture with one of our other sons holding Joey's picture. Hubby thought it would be weird, but when the photographer showed us the picture, we knew we had to have it. In fact, it is going to be our Christmas card this year.
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