Victory!

Photographs have a funny way 

of making life seem

perfect.

Flawless really.

As if everything is just peachy.

Everyday.

They never show 

the tantrums.

The fits.

The tears. 

The frustration.

The discipline.

The teaching.

The learning.

The tired eyes.

The sleepless nights.

The constant worry

and endless prayers.

They never show 

the battle.

Only the glory.

The glory of survival,

of accomplishment,

of progression,

and achievement.

The memory of the beautiful day.

The blue skies.

The smiles, rejoicing, and laughter.

And isn't that what we should remember?

Not the struggle

but the victory!

So when you look at a photograph next time

think about what it took to get there.

What it took to be.

Life is perfect for no one.

It's an uphill climb.

An ongoing battle.

"You never see the hard days in a photo album...

"... but that's what gets us from one happy snap shot to the next."

So live life!

Up and down.

Take your camera with you.

And appreciate

your victories!