Women of Strength

There are some memories that I want to hold on to as tightly as I can. I want to make sure that they are filed away under “very important”. My husband and I have the very best family and friends in the world. We are lucky to call our friends our family. This past week was an experience I was blessed to have been apart of. I want to make sure that I share these types of moments in my life, because they are what make up what I am as a person. These moments mold my art and shape my expressions. First, I want to share the first part of my week in Savannah.

I went to spend some time with my best friend Mallory. Her husband has been in Iraq for the past year, and she just moved back to Savannah to get ready for Austin to come home. I went to provide some company and hopefully a few laughs to make the week pass by faster. The week flew by, we ate, shopped, watched movies, and laughed. We spent most of our nights eating with Mallory’s two best friends from her time in Savannah; Katie and Ali. But most importantly there was our constant source of entertainment, giggles and “boo’s” miss Audrey, Katie’s daughter.


Most of our time was spent watching movies and drinking hot chocolate. And I was honored to get to take some pictures of the ladies. The first night I was there, Mallory and I made dinner and took it over to Ali’s house to eat. After dinner and watching Twilight (perfect for a girls night) we sat around and talked. I listened to these three women discuss their husbands. Dates were flying around, along with knowledge that they could all change. Discussing their year and what filled it while waiting for their best friends to return home. I then realized, I was spending the week with three women waiting for their husbands to come home from war. Wow. They were days away from wrapping their arms around their husbands. I could not wrap my mind around what they must be feeling, the nerves, the thoughts. But never once did I hear a complaint. Sure, they were anxious to know more, and hoped for information that didn’t change. But never once did I hear a complaint about having to do it all on their own this year. Take care of a life for two people all by themselves. To be a mommy, a wife, bill payer, decision maker, daughter and daughter in law all by themselves. Strong does not even begin to describe these women.

First there is Katie. Wife of Luke and mom to Audrey. She is so laid back and an incredible mom. She is patient and soft spoken and yet totally silly when it comes to getting smiles from Audrey. I can’t imagine a better example of type of woman it takes to be a single mom and to be a wife all at the same time.


Then there is Ali. Wife of Stephen and mom to mojo and hank (their doggies). She is a free spirit, incredibly creative, and so much fun to be around. Ali can make you smile and she has an infectious love for life that makes you want to be around her. She is a go getter, and has not taken a second for granted, I admire this about her so much.


Last but not least, Mallory. Wife to Austin and mom to Mac (their crazy and loving doggie). Mallory has taught me so much this year, she is truly a woman of strength. I could never say enough about her, I cherish our friendship and I can’t explain how thankful I am for her. She is loving, giving, and always there. I am thankful that I have gotten to spend some really special moments in my life with her, and I look forward to many more.

And I could NEVER leave out this sweet girl. Audrey is adorable and has the sweetest laugh. Everyone falls in love with her….but honestly how could you not?!?!

These ladies have shown me not only how much I have to be thankful for, but how to choose have a good attitude about everyday. They woke up each morning and had to choose to be strong and put a smile on their face while their husbands faced danger in a place they had never been. They are the backbone of these men, keeping them strong and laughing. I am thankful for my week with you amazing ladies. Thank you for sharing this very special time with me. I appreciate YOUR sacrifice this year more than I can say.