Hands theme Challenge from iHeartFaces- Photography Westchester & Putnam County

The image above, for this week's iheartfaces challenge, was snapped a little more than a week ago at a truly inspiring event. At a Memorial Run, called Wear Blue Run to Remember, families comprised of active duty army, veterans, civilians and most inspiring- Gold Star Families came together to run to remember their fallen friends and loved ones. I can not adequately put words together to tell you just how moving it was for me- the wife of a veteran. I don't think those feelings of pride mixed with fear will ever leave my bones, and I am pretty certain that anyone that has ever been a military spouse can say the same thing. It becomes a part of who you are.

Before the run had begun, everyone had gathered together for a moment of silence. When I scanned the crowd that was gathering, this moment caught my eye. The baby is held so close and is at such peace. The mother's hands hold with such strength and love. It was the smallness of this little one and the bigness of what she represents to me- a military child who will grow up knowing what it is like to miss a loved ones and friends who PCSed across the globe. But it's more than that- military children learn lessons that we as adults, at any age, need a refresher course in sometimes. 

1. Love in the face of fear- 

Whether it be the fear of losing something, 

the fear of moving on, the fear of  being accepted, and the fear of the unknown,

don't let fear stop love.

2. A Home isn't just four walls and a roof- 

The memories, experiences and the people that dwell in your heart 

is a home that you can never leave.

3. Volunteer-

There is nothing quite as humbling and fulfilling as volunteering. Nothing.

...and that is why I had to share this picture this week.

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