When they're gone, they're gone

The other night I was watching Medium on TV. The little girl wore a red bicycle helmet everywhere. She wanted to wear it in the school picture. The dad was adamant that she couldn't. The mom was ok with it.

The mom's rationale was that pictures are supposed to reflect who the child is right now. Once these moments are gone, they're gone. And if her daughter was a little girl who wore a red bicycle helmet everywhere, then that's what the picture should show.

Fast forward a few days and we're trying to get a Christmas picture with all 4 kids. The best shot has Eli sucking his thumb. I remembered the episode of Medium and this picture honestly reflects who Eli is right now. It looks just like him.

Last year, I would have thrown out the shot because his thumb is in his mouth. This year, I think it's a great picture because it looks just like Eli -- a 2 year old with a love of sucking his thumb.

I'm sure I'll hear about it from certain family members, but I love the picture.