Passion.

The visitation and funeral for Steff were hard. But it was beautiful. We were asked to wear purple in honor of Steff. It was her favorite color and also the color for Sanfillipo syndrome. It was neat to see the colored balloons and to look around the room at everyone who loved Steffany and her family showing their support by wearing the color.

We released the balloons at the cemetery and it was beautiful.

Yesterday I thought about so many things.

I thought about how much I love taking pictures. I enjoy interacting with people and giving them something that they'll be able to enjoy for years.

I love exercising. I enjoy shaping my body and embracing fitness. Being healthy is important to me.

I enjoy being a mother. I enjoy teaching, snuggling, kissing and loving these children.

It's such a blessing to do all of the things I love.

Most of all, I love to write.

If I could get paid to write like I get paid to take photos, I would do it in a heartbeat and I would do it forever. If someone would give me the chance to write, write and write some more...

I would do that.

Forever.

I enjoy many things. Many things are special to me. Many things I am blessed to do.

But more than anything, I feel complete by writing. Expressing myself in a way that I can't do any other time or place.

Just me, a pen and paper.

It's my passion.

And I watched Steff's mom at the visitation and I thought, 'what does Val love to do?'

"What is her passion?"

Her passion for so long has been caring for her precious Steff.

I am so thankful for the ability to be able to do the things that I love. I know that whatever happens in our life, as long as I can write, I will be thankful for the chance to do so.

I prayed for Val last night as I laid in bed.

I hope that she will be able to find that which she loves to do while knowing that Steff is peacefully enjoying Heaven.

And I hope that while we go through this season of parenting, we will cling to the things that bring us passion and joy.

These are the things that will carry us. And I am thankful.