what do you see?

i recently became aware of something my sister-in-law wrote to describe her feelings of her daughter as she viewed a photograph i took a few years back. i was moved. i take pictures because i love to-i never really stopped to think about what my images mean to others-i never imagined they would provoke such feelings-i just wanted to share it with all of you! thank you amy for allowing me to post something so private and special to you. thank you katie for letting aunt mindy capture you in this photograph-this image will always be special to me.

"When I look at this picture, I am in awe of the
emotions it evokes in me.
I am reminded of myself at that age,
with my whole life ahead of me.
All of the possibilities and wonders
are out there, just out of my reach.
I can see in her face the eagerness
with which she will embrace life, just as I have.
I look at the innocence that is apparent
and I wonder what life will deal this child.
What wondrous experiences await her?
I am reminded of all the stages of my life, the
boundless joys and sorrows.
For her, they are yet to come.
I can feel the optimism that is there for all the world to see.
All that life has to offer is unknown.
I know that could be me looking out that window.
Planning for a life, as yet undiscovered.
A life outside that window!"
-Lovingly written by Amy Stanley (mother of sweet katie)