Look Linger Love

The Giving Tree is a book that I read to Lilly every so often. I read it to her, but I’m reading for myself just as much. I think we all need reminders to give more than we take.

Have you read Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree? How do you feel about it? I know it’s quite controversial. But as sad as it makes me, I think it’s an important lesson and reminder in today’s busy world. I want to teach the value of giving to my children. This book is an easy way for me to get the conversation brought up.

You can read The Giving Tree (an other Shel Silverstein’s books) here. Just click the title at the top.

I’ll start this post by saying that it’s been a real hard two years, with the last two weeks being pretty awful, and the last 6 days best summed up as heart breaking. On August 22nd my childhood friend and college roomie, Amanda Rees, lost her battle to cancer.

Amanda was an amazing friend to many, a devoted wife to her one and only, and an inspirational mother to her three beautiful children. Losing my friend at the age of 31 is devastating. She bravely fought her cancer (a very rare high grade endometrial stromal sarcoma) for over two years with what some would argue was the most positive outlook ever . Amanda taught me so much about strength and love and courage, even when the hand she’d been dealt seemed to be the most unfair of all.

I spent the last couple of days in Indiana saying goodbye. It was good to be surrounded by family and friends to grieve. As tragic as it is for 3 young children to lose their momma in such an unfair way, it makes my heart happy to see Amanda live on in each of them. If they have half as much fun as we did, well then I know Amanda will be smiling smirking.

I want to thank you for your support after this post I shared two years ago. I felt that I owed it to you all to let you know of Amanda’s passing. I will be forever grateful for the emails of support, prayers, and resources that were shared.

I feel comfort knowing that you are now free of pain, Amanda. Rest in peace.

One of the bonuses of having a close friend who is a children’s photographer is that sometimes she brings her camera along for play dates. As is the case with our recent trip to Tybee Island. Gray only snapped for maybe 15 minutes or so and she still managed to get some great shots. Here are just a couple of my favorites that she captured of Lilly, Farris, Frankie, and Gigi .

Gray is offering mini-sessions next week on August 19th, 20th, and 21st in the downtown Charleston and Mt Pleasant areas. $50 for a 20-30 minute photography session (includes session fee only). She’s already had an overwhelming response since yesterday when she mentioned it on her facebook page – so if you want to book a spot email her now at graybenko@aol.com

Photography by Gray Benko.

PS Lilly is wearing a Marysia Swim Bumby swimsuit & cover up, Farris is wearing a Crewcuts suit, and Frankie is in Gap.