These photos were taken by our friends and favorite photographers, Lee and Cindy Reeves back in December. The Beatles were right, love is all you need.
The Beatles Were Right
They were meant to be included in our Christmas cards sent to friends and family all over the globe.
A few days after this photo session occurred our lives were forever changed. When we looked at the images weeks later it was as if we no longer recognized the people in these pictures.
The pain continued to come in waves. Sometimes from unexpected sources.
Our girl gave up her carefree college life and joyous holiday plans to temporarily move back home with mom and dad.
She took care of the house, her brother and of course a favorite furry friend.
Our boy continued to believe… in Santa, goodness, and hugs.
This fella never left our sides. A well-placed paw and whimper told us that he too felt our pain.
Truthfully, it was his antics that made us first smile again.
These two did not allow us to run away under the covers.
Or continue to question why those we thought would be there, weren’t.
Instead, they encouraged us to be fierce in fighting for what is truly important.
To keep a happy and loving heart.
To be grateful for the smallest of kindnesses that sometimes came from virtual strangers who made it seem that our lives weren’t completely upside down.
There are and still will be days of gray when the “Why’s?” creep in.
But we have realized what is truly important.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE.
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Gunn’s.
Beautiful family and lovely photos. If we knew what was waiting for us around the corner, there would be so many days we would never get out of bed in the morning. But although some days are grey, there are always bright pretty moments to be found and hopefully those sweet times will soon outweigh the grey. Love to you and all your family on this Valentine's Day. Enjoy the love that surrounds you! 🙂
Absolutely beautiful pictures Laura! And funny, your photographer's last name is my maiden name! You have such a beautiful and loving family!
Laura, what a beautiful post and a beautiful family! Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!
Lovely pictures, beautiful family! Isn't Rudi the doll in his little collar?
Happy Valentine's Day, Laura!
~april
Lovely pictures! Your family is just beautiful!
You just have to look the pictures to understand the “Why?”.
It couldn't happen to someone who wouldn't dare the suffer but with strength to fight what would be thrown their way… what would be the purpose in that?
I still feel a pang when I think that it could've happened to such sweet and lovely persons.
Yes, all we need is Love. And a dazzling purple dress that says “I can handle it, God. I Trust in You!”.
Happy Valentine's Sweet Lady and Charming Loved Ones.
Laura I can see the love, the spirit, the strength in these images of your very special family!
God Bless and Happy Valentines!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
You are blessed with a beautiful family. I know that you treasure these wonderful photos! I love the dog collar, too!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photo shoot with us. It is hard to realize that all things happen for a reason that may not be clear at the time. I know you are thankful for the love of your family and their strength, but do you realize what a rock you are? Happy Valentine's Day!
I see the love all over everywhere in these photos! I'm glad you have had it and continue to have it. And I continue to pray for you and your family. Love. ~Mindy
The beautiful love of such a family keeps you strong and able to face whatever is thrown your way.
I hope the colour soon returns in full glory to your world.
What gorgeous photos. You have a beautiful family. In the end what counts is that you have all been there for each other. Still praying for your family…
Everyone looks great, and you will be back to that happy place in your lives soon enough! Sending you lots of love today, not to mention a few emails…
Happy Valentines Day!
Beautiful pictures ….
bisous xxxx de france
Those are gorgeous pictures….you have a lovely family….and there in is the blessing…you have your family. I think of you often, even while you post…and pray that things are better. Call if you want…you know I will listen. Love you.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Dear Laura,
The only thing more beautiful than your words and sentiment are the photographs of you, Mr Decor, The Fashionista, Sweet Boy, and Rudi!
All you need is love…and you've got plenty in NJ for all of you.
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
wahhhhhhhhhhhh sniffle sniffle sniffle
Happy Valentine's Day to you, and your BEAUTIFUL and LOVING family!
(…did you hear that there were tweets on the night of the Grammys asking “Who is Paul McCartney?”)
“All you need is LOVE, LOVE…
Love is all you need.”
Thanks for singing it every day, Laura!
~Lynne
[w/L]
Happy Valentine's Day, Sweet Lady.
I have no idea why, where, or what, but if you ever need me, I'm here.
….and that my dear friend is what Valentine's Day is all about.
I love it…”All you need is love!!!”
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family!
God bless you guys and have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! :o)
Your family is beautiful Laura. Whatever you are going through, just know that you are not alone. I will pray for that you will feel the happiness captured in these photos once again. Keep the faith~
Danielle xo
Beautiful post, thoughts and family!
Happy belated Valentine's Day!
Looking forward to lunch.
Sometimes I think things happen that actually change our personal structure. It's not just a loss of wind in the sails sort of thing. That is when we struggle and the Lord helps us to find a new “normal”. I hope you are reaching for that. Your in my prayers.
~Liz
Oh Laura I've not seen these beautiful photos till now.
But I wanted to just spend some time here with you tonight. I'm just thinking about you. My mom, Nancy is thinking about you. Of course we are so sad to hear of your loss today. And of course we are worried about you – we are moms too – so we will pray.
After seeing these photos of your fine family and hearing the strength in your words I know that you will make it through. You all will because you have faith in God, you have each other and you have love!
Be strong my friend.
xo Lisa