I know it might seem cheesy, but I wanted a tattoo that represented Kayla. As a married couple on the Race we have walked through a lot together this year (forgiveness, healing, abandonment). I am so thankful the Lord lead us out of our comfortability. Our marriage and friendship is stronger than it's ever been. This year has been everything we could of dreamed of and more as we celebrated 10 years since we starting dating!

These verses have essentially been our everything this year:

Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

1 Peter 4:8: "Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults."

John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

Since Kayla loves to read (she read 198 books in 2017) and she is a Chi Omega, my first thought was an owl.

Then, the week I had an appointment to get my cross tattoo, it hit me!

I decided to go with a hummingbird; a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird to be exact. It’s the type of hummingbird native to where Kayla and I grew up in Tennessee. There were always hummingbirds around both of our houses and grandparents' houses as kids.

When Kayla and I started dating, we’d talk on the phone for hours (throwback to landlines and T-9). In between sentences on the phone, Kayla would hum. At first it bothered me, and I’d laugh and call her out. Ten years later, I am more than used to the humming. It’s almost calming to me now in a familiar way. It’s the funniest talent I have ever experienced. Now that I’ve pointed it out to you, I’m sure you’ll notice!

So I got a hummingbird holding a key to represent Kayla. She holds the key to my heart. Her name means “Keeper of the Keys”, which is an amazingly accurate statement to describe who she is, the spiritual gifts she carries, and her heart for family.