Once upon a time, on a day that seemed like any other day, with people carrying on about their business like they did yesterday and probably will tomorrow, something happened. You see, on this day, a smile was born. Some convincing was needed, the smile seemed happy where it was-- happy to go about swimming and floating around in its own happy little confined space. So happy, that we almost lost the smile a couple times. Tense moments were certainly felt by all. Fortunately, with some reassuring and a bit of tugging, the smile was born. What a beautiful smile it was! All agreed.

We knew there was something special about that smile, so we took it with us everywhere. We showed everyone the smile.

Over time, the smile grew. It grew and grew! Oh, the fun we had playing with the smile, chasing the smile, and protecting the smile. The smile continued to grow into an even bigger smile but wait... one day, something wasn't right. The day seemed normal, the grass was still green, the sun still rose (though in the Seattle area, we're never quite sure), but the smile began to fade. We tried to bring it back. We tried everything. Sometimes there was a glimpse of the smile but then one day, there wasn't. The smile disappeared.

We were not about to let the smile go. We continued to fight for it. The smile struggled. For so many years. The smile was tired. I know smile. I know. You can do it. You tried everything but you didn't give up. On an ordinary day when people did seemingly ordinary things, there was that smirk. We were encouraged. The smirk became a smile. Slowly, the smile returned but the smile was different. It showed ruggedness and character. It showed knowledge and an understanding of life. That life can be hard. Very hard. It showed that life is good and is worth fighting for. Not every day is easy. But every day is worth a smile.

Misc. Marshall Photos

Here are a few miscellaneous photos of Marshall I thought you might enjoy. :)