Beauty: (n) the quality present in a thing or person that gives deep satisfaction to the mind.

Saturday was a beautifully warm day, perfect for documenting the lives of two people who are very special to their family. Marcy had requested a session to capture the personality and love of her grandmother, and we had such a nice time doing so.

There are 55 years of history behind these images; and Willie and Marge's marriage has been blessed with the love of many children and grandchildren.

I enjoyed watching how he gently brought her along with him, watching for any rough patches that could slow her down. His faithfulness to her needs is remarkable. She looked at him with eyes full of joy, seeing him as no other person can see him. And even though her memory has dimmed, there is no question that she knows the man she married over a half a century ago. She didn't give in to the frustration or strain of confusion, but was still happily the Marge that they've known and loved--giving compliments and always seeing the good in others. She loved watching as I took some pictures of her two grandaughters, remarking how beautiful they were, and how kind, even though she may have not known just exactly who they were. It really was a sight to see, and I'm so thankful to have been there. It makes me rethink our 'social' definition of beauty- youth and strength, vigor and perfect hair and teeth. Beauty is so much deeper and stronger than the fleeting years of youth and vitality. Instead, it's the culmination of 55 years together, working for the happiness of others, even when life isn't exactly as we expect. And I was so privileged to have seen it on Saturday.






And some of her beautiful grandaughters...


Marcy, who asked to have a portrait session of her grandmother:



Lydia came to help out, as well:

"Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century."

~Mark Twain (1835-1910)