Ode to a Precious Friend
Well, hello there, my long-lost blog buddies! I come to you today with a renewed purpose and a dash of life-changing news. Although there are so many things I'd like to update you on, and I do plan to do so with more frequency now...today, I want to simply recognize and honor a person that I hold near and dear to my heart. Guess I should admit I won't be actually writing a beautiful piece of poetry,..an "ode," as it were...this will just be me trying to pay tribute to someone I treasure deeply.
SO, although she will be less than thrilled with all the attention, I want to shine a light on Kim LaFauce. Some of you may know her as KimAnne of KimAnne Photography...some may even know her Kimmy! :) Sorry...couldn't help it, Kim. :)
To start with the life-changing news...as of the new year, I will no longer be calling KimAnne Photography my home away from home. Since May of 2017, I've spent the majority of my time at the studio, when I wasn't at family, church, or school activities. However, Chris and I both feel like God is leading me down a different path. Not an easier or better path...unless it's Opposite Day, as Zane likes to say...much to my aggravation. Have I banned him from declaring Opposite Day. Why, yes...yes, I have. Lines must be drawn. This may be the hill I die on. But I digress.
My different and difficult path includes subbing at the kids' school, coaching speech teams, potentially revisiting an old love of event-planning, making time for our significant shift in family dynamics (with our family of 9 pared down to 4, I needed to be more available for Zane and his school schedule), and opening up larger blocks of time for writing. I'm seem to be very good at filling up every crevice of time to avoid bearing my soul via my writing. God continues to legit harass me that He has other plans. :/ OK, yes, I hear you. But still, I'm trying to chuck the stubbornness and follow His lead. *sighs*
Getting back to the topic at hand...my Kim. :) There are so many incredible reasons that I've truly loved working at KimAnne. When I first started, I wanted to find something to do that would allow me to contribute to our growing financial needs: our oldest child was about to head off to college, with the others following not far behind. But that simple reason quickly grew into a profound love for the whole studio staff, our precious clients, and primarily for the most amazing boss. I absolutely LOVED being at the studio and playing just a small part of the capturing of such precious family moments and milestones. There has never been a more grace-filled, loving, super-fun, and compassionate work environment...and that all stems from Kim herself.
When I talked with Kim the beginning of the school year to tell her of my new plans, I tearfully yet truthfully told her the hardest part of leaving would be not being involved in her life as much as I've been these past 3.5 years. I treasure every moment, both professionally and personally, that I've been able to share with this incredible woman.
Probably the most precious thing I value in this wonderful soul is her love for her Saviour, and her mission to treat every person with dignity and grace, love and sincerity, selflessness and honor. That's what I've seen played out in the life of Kim these past 3.5 years...and no doubt how she's run her business since it began...because that's just who she is. When you first meet Kim, you might think...is she for real? Is she really that sweet?!? Well, friends, the answer is a resounding YES!
2020 was a difficult year for the world. It was an especially difficult year for Kim as well. But through it all, she trusted in God's goodness even when she couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Heartache and despair threaten to undo us in these dark days, but if we all had a spark of Kim's positive and encouraging attitude...just a pinch of her sweet character...just a tiny dab of her unending transparency and compassion...then we will all come out stronger and better for it.
She's not perfect. None of us are. But she reflects the heart of Jesus so brightly in an ever-darkening world, and I have no doubt that she will one day hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
This is Kim LaFauce...my boss, my sister, my friend. I will forever treasure the time spent with you and our wonderful studio as some of my most precious memories. I love you dearly.
