I have lots of pictures in my house. Pictures of things we have done over the years, many shots of happy times in happy places. I keep pictures of our family on display. Our parents, kids, grandkids, even some of our pets. They include photos from large and small family get-togethers, crazy times, fun times, good times. When things get tough, I can look at those pictures and they bring a smile to my heart.

I also keep lots of knick-knacks, again mementos of things we have done together or things we have received as gifts from others. I have items from my family and my life before I met my husband as well as things he brought into our relationship; it is nice to have those ties to our histories as well as things we have gathered together.

The pictures of us from our wedding are probably the ones that mean the most to me because they help keep me grounded. These pictures remind me of why I get up every morning and continue in this journey. They calm and encourage me when things are difficult. I really believe that creating a warm, loving environment around helps us live a warm and comfortable life. It’s impossible to have a negative outlook when I am surrounded by evidence of so many shared positives in my life.