One of the most common questions people ask when they get older is: "How old am I?" That's because we live in a world where everything becomes more complicated with age. In fact, if you look at the world around you—and I mean anywhere from your workplace to your neighborhood—it's easy to see how aging can be viewed as a negative thing. But before we go any further, let me say this: Aging is not just about numbers. It's about living life to its fullest!
I had the privilege of documenting the evening for Louanna and family at the Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine, Texas. Everyone looked amazing and you could really feel the love in the atmosphere.
It’s been said that family is everything. And it truly is. When you have a strong support system of people who love and care about you, it can make all the difference in the world when things get tough. In fact, most people find that having family around is one of the biggest sources of joy and comfort in their lives. Having someone to share your ups and downs with can also give you strength and inspiration as an individual—it means being able to count on someone else during difficult times or even just to listen when needed. I got to hear so many amazing stories about how Louanna had touched various people’s lives and had made them better through her faith, sense of humor and leadership. Great grandchildren, men of clergy, daughters and many more had really touching words to share with attendees.
Living to see 80 is such a blessing. It is like being part of an elite club. You've seen many changes over these 80 years—wars, technological advances, social movements, shifting attitudes toward gender and sexuality, political struggles... The world has changed more than perhaps any other generation could imagine. But if you're 80-years-old today (and that's still possible!), then you've lived through it all already—and can appreciate it much more than younger people who are just beginning their journey through life.
I hope that I am fortunate enough to live to see 80 and have all of my loved one’s surround me on my special day. I also hope that I can still move like Louanna on the dance floor. I look forward documenting more big milestone events in the future. This was definitely a great way to kick off the new year.