Mark Hawkins Photography » Wedding Photography

So I should mention that it is Kelly posting today or this post won’t make much sense.  Valentine’s Day is a special day at the Hawkins house  not only because it is the day of love for the masses, but it is also the day we celebrate the birthday of Mark Randall Hawkins, the love of my life.   This year, Mark turns 34 which means that we have loved each other for exactly half of our lives.  At age 17, this whole crazy journey got started.  Half my life later, that love has grown bigger and wider than anything I could have quite comprehended as a teenage girl.

So this past month has been a tumultuous one for our family, but also one that brings clarity and gratefulness to God for the important things in life and the ones you love.  One month ago, Mark had an accident in the woodshop and severed his index finger and part of his thumb on his left hand (I should add that this is NOT his dominant hand for photography).  There was a lot of blood and panic and emotions as we were heading to the hospital in a snowstorm (of course).  Ultimately, Mark was transferred to Milwaukee where the nearest available hand surgeon was.  I will never forget the emotions of that night waiting for the outcome of an almost six hour surgery, and then seeing him that way after surgery.  It is hard to see that strong person who is usually the one you lean on so weak.  Through this experience, we have learned more than ever to “lean” on “the everlasting arms” and the truth that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.  In so many ways, we have a greater realization now more than ever what LOVE is all about.  We have realized the love of God more than ever before.  We have experienced the love of our friends and family more than ever before.  I cannot begin to tell you all the kindnesses that we have been the recipients of over the past month.   And we have loved each other more deeply than before.

So where are we now.  Mark’s recovery is going amazingly well.  His index finger was reattached successfully, and the pin is scheduled to come out at the end of the month.    He should regain a lot of the movement he had before, but a few things will be different.  So his future as a guitar superstar may not be what it once was.  But the overall hand function is looking very good so we are thankful.

Happy Valentine’s to all.  Wishing you true LOVE, the unconditional kind that really matters when it all comes down to it.

Here is a little glimpse into our day of celebrating with Mark . . .