Sometimes "living out your dreams" isn't all that it's cracked up to be in fairy tales.
Sometimes the real life fairy tale is living your life with your family beside you.
Too many idolize some idealistic idea of freedom, and miss out on what is truly timeless.

Sometimes TRUE freedom, is sacrifice.

Sometimes REAL living isn't chasing taxis in London. Or playing concerts in Paris.

REAL living can be as simple, and beautiful as munching on breakfast with your daughter every morning, and giggling through the pages of a Golden Book every night. Timeless.

Material things can be so fleeting.

The concept of 'image' can be so fleeting.

Real beauty is the bond you make, and the security your child develops in knowing you will always be there for her, every step of the way. Is the way she knows she's home when she's in your arms.

It breaks my heart to witness the aftermath, the "left behind" if you will, of a self focused, destructive lifestyle. It's almost been two years, and my heart still hurts. Every day, I grow to love my precious little bear more. And every day, I ache for what she doesn't have.

I have complete comfort in the knowledge that everything happens for a reason.

Eloise and I are battling out life together for a reason.

And every day, I am more humbled, more baffled, and more thankful for God's grace in my life.

I pray He continues to stretch, mold, and make me (as painful as it is) into what He sees fit.

Because after all, He disciplines us because He loves us.