One day, this girl will write a book.  I’m not sure why I believe this, I just feels right.  I think she has a story to tell.  I think she may have many stories to tell. 

Tatum’s mom contacted me for her senior portraits.  She wanted to do something really special to honor her amazing daughter.  How amazing?  Let’s see if I can hit the highlights (forgive me, Tatum, I know I’ll miss some things.)

• Honor roll
• “Most Talented” in her class
• Faithful and active in her church youth group
• Taking college courses while finishing high school
• Tennis team
• Hunts deer
• Rides horses
• Sings like a lark
• Plays the guitar

Her mom describes her as her “joy, light and inspiration”, her “sunshine.”  That is so easy to see and understand.  Tatum is a beautiful person with a loving, generous soul.

Knowing these things about Tatum, we planned an excursion to some beautiful locations in our area.  The weekend we chose was perfectly timed with the peak Autumn tree colors.  Tatum brought the cutest wardrobe, which we planned to coordinate with the locations.

With a total of 13 locations, we were busy all afternoon.  But it was SO MUCH FUN!  The wind was just right.  The sky was bright and beautiful.  The temperature could have been about 5 degrees warmer for the outfits with bare legs and arms, but you would have never known Tatum was freezing.  She was a trooper.

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I have learned something as I’ve edited Tatum’s portraits.  I have thought about her family and her life.  I have realized that life is what you make it.  One choice can have an impact on your life and the life of others for years.  Some choices are trivial.  Some are huge.  When I think of Tatum, I see a life where the big choices are being made carefully, considering the long-term – even eternal – impacts.  I see a life where really good things happen.

I see a life where really big things *will* happen.

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Your child only graduates from high school once.  This time is amazing and unlike any other in their life.  Give them your best.  Give them your love.

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Tatum Campbell
Sylvania High School
Class of 2014