I don't even know how to start this post! It is such a special session for me because Heather has been my best friend since we were 12 years old....that's a decade of laughter, tears, notes passed back and forth, wisdom shared, and memories made. The last time I was in Idaho, Axton was about 10 weeks old. I was her maid of honor and she was getting married to this fabulous British man she had met while studying abroad in England. I remember when we were taking pictures with the photographer on the day of her reception, and Heather had one strand of hair over her eye. I reached up and brushed it back, and saw her beautiful face with a sparkle in her eye and a wide smile that wouldn't leave, her perfectly done hair, all sitting atop her gorgeous white dress. It was that day. It was her wedding day and I was her maid of honor fixing her hair and it all just crashed over me in that moment. I cried tears of joy for her and amazement at where our lives had led us both.
Two years later, and I'm back in Idaho. This time I'm the photographer, shooting Heather's brother's wedding. I have another boy with me, and again he is (almost) 10 weeks old. I haven't seen Heather since her own wedding, since she now lives in England with her husband. We reunite as if we see each other every day, and that there aren't thousands of miles and busy lives separating us. This time I cry as her and Aaron tell me feelings they've had about their own little boy, growing in Heather's belly, especially after having gone through a devastating miscarriage the previous year. Again, I'm amazed at God's love for us, even though we both have had trials. I'm profoundly grateful for this woman. I'm beyond happy to see her with the man she deserves, and that he loves her as much as I would want for her. I can't wait to see her become a mother and for them to traverse the gloriously messy waters of parenthood. Mostly I'm just glad I can call her my best friend.
