“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.”~Robert F. Kennedy
It’s time to get personal again. It is November, and everywhere I am seeing posts and tweets about thankfulness, and how fortunate we feel. Without a doubt, I agree. Each and every day, I take inventory of the blessings in my life. Most important is my family, like it is for many of you. Without my family, I would not BE. I would not be a mother, a wife, a photographer, a friend, a citizen. And another common theme I am seeing, especially today, is that Americans are thankful we live in a country where we can exercise our privilege to vote. We are truly living what is a dream to so many others. (I hope everyone was able to get out and make their voice heard today!)
In the aftermath of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy, I am also seeing a lot of people are grateful that their lives were spared, when maybe their homes weren’t. Despite living on the West Coast, Sandy was very personal to my family. All of my husband’s family lives in the NYC area, and fortunately the worst that they had to endure is a lot of wind and rain, and the loss of power for several days. There are so many who were not so lucky. Each day, as I watch news reports online and read blogs, I am heartbroken by the devastation, angered by the crime, and proud of those who are doing anything they can to help get these displaced families back on their feet. People from all over this nation and from all walks of life have pulled together to send clothes, giftcards, and messages of support to the millions who have been affected in the Northeast. As in the quote from Robert Kennedy above, these acts will write a new history – one of hope and love. Powell Woulfe Photography is currently planning a mini session date to benefit specific families who have lost all. My goal is to hold the mini sessions in early December, and payment will be in the form of donated giftcards. More information will be coming very soon.
A lesson learned: The holidays are drawing ever closer, and this year, I am going to remind myself each day to slow down and appreciate my life. Is it perfect? Of course not. But it is beautiful and amazing. And for that, I am thankful. I am thankful that I am in a position to help others, whether it is the victims of Sandy trying to rebuild, or a family capturing their memories, or a high school senior feeling like a model when she looks at her portraits. It’s those small ways I can change the lives of others, and help write their history that is so wonderful to me. ?
And now a little peek at someone who is so very dear to me. I hope she brings a little smile to your face as she does to mine.
