A COKE AND COOKIE

   When entering Frost Bank this week, my nerves were frayed. I don't like the business part of life.  I like it even less, when it is unfamiliar, and worse when I am carrying my husband's power of attorney documents. This was not my day.

   A very friendly employee, Christina, greeted me. She asked if I would like a cookie. That sounded great. In a minute, she came back and asked if she could get me a drink.

Within a short time from entering, my stress level was reduced by 75%. I was enjoying a cookie and a coke, and thinking about how our lives are made up of  moments, these "life in between" moments.

   Businesses understand this. There is a thin line between customer service and gimmicks to get you to buy more. I saw this as excellent customer service, a way of showing their appreciation. Their atmosphere was friendly and hospitable, matching Christina's warmth and graciousness.

     I was sitting there, talking to the banker, having a "happy meal", a coke and a cookie, thinking "It's a good day!" All because of the treats? No, it was the combination of attitude,  thoughtfulness, and surprise. All were being served with a heaping dose of gratitude, just for being their customer.

   Relaxing and taking a deep breath, I de-stressed. While the transaction was being completed, I asked myself, "What can I do to extend the photography experience even further, making it even more personalized than it is now? What can I do as a business owner? What can I do as a mom, wife, grandmother? How can these "life in between" moments be extended to someone every day?

   Hoping to capture a few on camera, I will be showing more "Life in between" shots on the website, http://www.kayturner.com/ and in our blog.

   I hope you enjoy a random act of kindness today, both as the benefactor and the contributor. May we all seek to give someone the unexpected, allowing them to unwind, chill out, and for a moment, be a child holding a box of cracker jacks, filled with delight and wonder.

  

BOUND BY LOVE, FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS

   We have been surrounded for many, many years by a wonderful, loving family. In that time, our family has grown to include a large group of dear friends and clients, who have become a part of this loving circle. You have been with us in spirit, in memory, in presence, in thought. Standing beside us, holding our hands, together, you have been there, to lean on, while we faced difficult and challenging situations.

    Many of you are new to our journey. You became a part of our lives through the photography. It was then you became a part of our lives, when we were capturing yours.  Others have been steadfastly marching with us, since the beginning.
   Now, it appears, we are nearing the end of a 12 year journey. Ray has fought with a loving army of family and friends by him, loving him.  He, in return, has been a tremendous fighting warrior, defeating leaving his loved ones, repeatedly, against all odds.  All who have come in contact with him,  have been inspired by his strength, his spirit, his anticipation of being in his Heavenly home. Each day on earth, his heart has beat for all of us, and Jesus.
   It is to all of you, dear friends and family, who have accepted us and loved us, that I want to say how much we are indebted to you.
  With you, words have become optional. With you, we feel safe. With you, we feel accepted unconditionally. With you, we have a shoulder to lean on. With you, we have a hand to hold. With you, there is laughter. With you, our tears flow and mingle together. We taste the salt of broken hearts.
  We put our hand in yours, comforted by knowing you have loved us through all of the up's and down's, the bad times and the good. You did not leave when it rained. Instead, you provided an umbrella of strength and love. You were there when the sun shone, when we could bask in your warmth. Now, as we walk the final steps of the journey together, we embrace your strength, your outpouring of love. We cherish every moment, every act, every smile you have brought, and will continue to bring. With you, there is only one heart beating. It beats with love. It will never stop.  Kay and Ray