April 29

Last Fall, as her senior year began, I offered to pay for a photographer to capture images of Abby and her besties at school. I found Shelly Lambert (who is a fellow Wheaton mom), paid for a session, and left it up to my girl to decide the details: the when, the who, and the where. The session ultimately took place a few weeks ago, and today, we received a link to the gallery.

The "who" were the Sophomore year suite girls, who have been her go-to pals all throughout her time at Wheaton. The "where" was --very appropriately, I think-- all around campus. And the "what they wore" were their white grad dresses. 

The photos came out really nicely. There are beautiful photos of each of these beautiful girls. And there are numerous pictures of them together laughing and having a good time, just as they've done for the past four years. They're a gift to my Abby, of course, so she can look back at them and remember her time in Illinois. 

And they're also a gift to these very special girls who have become dear to my heart. I will always be grateful to God for Michaela, Anna, Meredith, and Ashley for being a big part of why Abby has had a  wonderful college experience. Their love and support throughout this phase of my girl's life has meant so much to her -- and to me as well. 

Good friends are great blessings. And I am deeply grateful for the ones God gave my daughter.