Gratituesday: my big sis

Okay, it's no secret how much I love my big sister, Jacqulyn. I could go way back and tell you all the stories of how our wonderful adult friendship has its roots in a lukewarm (okay, frigid) childhood relationship. But, let's skip those details for now, mmkay? Instead, I want to talk about how much of a BLESSING my sister has been to me in recent months (years!).

Let's start with the business end. Every employer dreams of having an employee who is as passionate about their business as they are. Not only passionate, but understanding as well. There are days that my sister works for me for good money, and there are days when she works for no money. She has turned into the business and marketing guru of Sincerely, Liz and I credit her with a lot of the success of this business. Her discipline, copy writing skills, and ability to tell the cold, hard truth come in handy quite often. I am so grateful for the wonderful resource that she is, as well as the cheerleader she has become regarding my business and my work.

Not to mention, her talent comes quite in handy 'round here:

Aside from help with my business, she has been an amazing big sis. She speaks truth to me when I ask for it (knowing full well if I haven't asked, I don't want to hear it). She forgives. She is humble. She takes criticism and correction very well. She encourages. She supports me. I can't really remember a specific incident with her from my childhood (or lifetime, I guess) that was negative. It's kind of amazing how love can wipe the slate clean, eh?

I love having a sister. If nothing other than those conversations that start with "we are the way we are because of the way we were raised." It is only with her and my brother that I can completely relate to in certain circumstances - and I love it. There is nothing like having a sister and she is completely irreplaceable in my life.

So this week, I am grateful for my big sister, Jacqulyn. For our story together, for the growth of our relationship, for her help as an employee, and for the hours we spend relating, talking, and bonding with one another. It's amazing how even after 26 years the relationship never gets old.

Liz Cook

Liz Cook is a wedding, birth, and motherhood photographer based in Central Virginia. Her intuition and creative perspective allow her to connect both professionally and personally with her subjects, and thus, her portfolio is saturated with authentic emotion. Whether she's sharing her story with fellow entrepreneurs or enjoying quality time with her husband and two daughters, Liz is both present and passionate about capturing and celebrating life. Her work has been featured by O "Oprah" Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Glitter Guide, Essence Magazine, domino, Rue Magazine, among others.