Francis + Family
Jenna and Danny, Francis’ mom and dad, are some of my favorite people. I’ve third-wheeled many dinners after work at Pei Wei and I’ve decorated The Hair Tailor, her salon in Stillwater, MN, for Christmas with them. Jenna was hands down the best boss I’ve ever had. She is a natural leader, and where she would probably never describe herself as very warm and fuzzy, if she cares for you, she cares for you with a firmness that is unexpectedly comforting. Her husband Danny is reserved but one of the truly most gentle men I know and I know that Francis is one of the luckiest kids to have parents like them.
I remember the day Jenna asked me to be part of Francis’ birth day. I cried. I cried because I knew how truly wonderful his parents already were and this was the first time that I felt so much love for a little human that wasn’t mine. Perhaps it’s because I know that I’ve been loved and cared for by Jenna and Danny, or that I know I admire them both so much for leading so many parts of their lives with such sound integrity. They live and they love with purpose and it’s something I’ve always admired and looked up to.
I love this kid to pieces, truly, he’s right up there with my own flesh and blood. I am so honored to have been there when he took his first breaths, when he was baptized, and for his first birthday.
Francis celebrates his first year around the sun. Here’s a few of my favorite photos of one of my nearest and dearest, truly remarkable, absolutely beautiful and honestly, one of my most favorite families.
