04/15/2026
This senior session was a major dose of encouragement to my heart.
Senior sessions also make me emotional thinking of my own small babies, and the fact that one day this will also be them. It was particularly poignant hearing and thinking about her experiences as a military brat.
This month we actually celebrate the resiliency, fortitude, and joy of military children. Oftentimes we use dandelions to represent these children who bloom wherever they are planted, bringing a dose of sunshine with them.
Sometimes people ask, or our own intrusive thoughts beg, “Am I ruining my child because of this unique experience?”
But meeting this radiant teenager, I wholeheartedly believe that answer is no. There are unique challenges, and it doesn’t remove the adversity each military child faces.
The beauty and strength on the other side, however, is worthwhile. We never want our children to face hardships, and we would shield them from every skinned knee and broken heart if we could. But we also know that these experiences create a depth of character and perseverance necessary for life. We also know that despite any and all circumstances, regardless of if we don’t fully understand them, ultimately bring us closer in relationship to God and he is able to redeem them and create something new and beautiful within us.
Basically, this interaction was so special to me and I pray for my children to grow in faith and reliance on the Lord, and to hold a deep appreciation and adoration for one another and experiences within the military community.
I am so grateful for our little dandelions and pray fervently for them.
