I had the privilege of meeting Heather Cleveland and her kids Madison and Paul when Matthew was an infant.  Heather saved the day more than I can count, helping me stumble through new motherhood.  I didn’t have my Mom, but Heather was the next best thing.

At the time, I think Madison was 5 and Paul was probably 2 or 3.  To me, it felt so weird to see “big” kids, and I couldn’t imagine mine ever being that old.  Heather once told me she was excited to go home to “snuggle in bed with the kids and watch a movie”.  Mine wouldn’t ever get out of his jolly jumper or stand still for ten seconds.  I was so jealous.  Boy, has time flown.

Little Madison Cleveland, the shy kindergartener who sometimes rode the bus to my house, has blossomed into an amazing young woman.   

Heather has always been super super supportive of my photography business, and she referred us to a new dance studio Madison is going to in Plattsburgh New York (where they now live).  It’s called Center Stage and it’s awesome.  We arranged to do a studio picture day this past weekend and I was able to once again be amazed by Madison.  She is a poised, confident, polite, beautiful young woman whom I am proud to call a friend.

So, thank you Heather, for always thinking of me and always being there.  I hope I can be a great Mom just like you are.