Kristin Gray

My world has changed forever
These photos are much more than a family photo

They're the last photos we'll take before
my oldest graduates & builds his own life

They capture the essence of having 6 year age gaps
How differences can come together and play so well

An end of a chapter that had new beginnings built in it
An end of a cycle I didn't think I'd escape

3 years ago my life was stuck in survival
And while I remainded grateful
I could not afford family photos or
bare the thought of spending 50 hours a week
missing out on moments with them

I worried about giving them all the
opportunities they deserved
I worried about them having not just needs but
the ability to thrive and truly enjoy life
To be honest, I worried about what would happen when groceries went up again... retirement, the future

Today, in these moments pictured here
We are free
A sense of peace has entered motherhood that
I did not know existed

I am not stretched for time, exhausted,
wondering how it will all get done
I am not stressed about how to pay for new shoes, the cooking classes they want to take or keeping them healthy

My nervous system is calm & I see it in them
I see their joy, expressive nature, desires openly shared, dreams within reach

I've given them the best of both worlds
Presence & Provision
Choices & a Chance to succeed

And all I can say is you deserve this ease too
You deserve to know what it feels like to love your life and get out of survival mode so your light can shine brightly
It's possible, so don't settle