World Travels, 20-mile hikes & Turning 80

You read that correctly. 20-mile hikes, not 20 mile hikes. And if that wasn't impressive, did I mention her 10-12 mile solo hikes in Spain last year - following the Santiago de Compstela pilgrim's trail in the north?

Today, I'm writing about a woman named Lucia. 

                   

Last week, I accepted a photography job to cover for another wonderful photographer who had to back out at the last minute. It was for an 80th surprise party for Lucia. First of all, I love photographing ALL types of events but I normally don't post birthday party images on my facebook/blog. BUT, this one is different. This was truly a privilege for me to participate in celebrating the life of this amazing woman by her adoring family and a room full of wonderful friends. 

Just to be clear, I don't get emotional. Like, ever! I only mention this because I actually had to put my camera back to my face just to hide my watery eyes. 

What could evoke such an emotion?

Listening to her sons talk about their mother. 

Not only did they share about the "adventures they put her though", something about bombs... among other things... but they shared the very heart of their mother. 

And then I heard it. 
The best compliment I've ever heard given to any mother. 

One of her sons praised his wife. He went on about how wonderful she was. How beautiful she was. He loved her generosity and sincerity. He adored her hard work, energy, and genuineness. But most of all, he loved her heart. But why would he speak about his wife on the day everyone is honoring his mother?

Get your tissues ladies...

Because, he thanked his mother for setting the standard on what a woman is suppose to be like. And then he went on the say that he loved his wife and felt she was a reflection of the woman he adored the most... that's right: his mother.

I'm a wedding photographer, for crying out loud!!! I hear mushy stuff all the time!

So why did this choke me up? Because it made me want to be that type of mother. To raise my boys without losing my sense of adventure. To love them without smothering them. To bring them up right while being just. To discipline them sternly but love them fiercely. For them to never doubt how much they mean to me. And most of all, I want to be an example of what a Godly woman looks like... and even when I fail, I'll never stop trying. 

And, just in time for Mother's Day...