Be Extraordinary
There is something quite extraordinary in someone that can be so very human and real and lovely, so willing to stop and look and love. I was sitting recently at my brother Danny and his wife Tara’s house….I was reading and I glanced up to see Tara swoop their 10 year old daughter Sydney out of her wheelchair and into her lap on the couch…like lifting a little butterfly off the ground…..to sit and talk with her. Sydney mind you doesn’t speak, or walk…… isn’t able to eat ( except through a permanent feeding tube in her belly). She is in a wheelchair all the time, she sadly has severe cerebral palsy, I have shared her story with you in the past. But when you see your family..or anyone for that matter give so much of themselves to someone else…and then you see that darling big smile pop up on Sydney’s beautiful face….you know…maybe she really does understand more…maybe she really is communicating in her own astonishing way…with the remarkable family she has. It makes you want to be just that much more extraordinary in any way you can…..to stop and look and love, and be there……don’t you think?
My brother Danny with my sister-in-law ( his wife) Tara….Sydney between them. Isn’t she darling…& aren’t they?
They bought this little Maltese tea cup pup…the tiniest thing you have ever seen…and when they put him ( “ Duke”) by Sydney’s face she laughs in the most wonderful way…he licks her face…and she is all smiles and happiness…..it melts your heart instantly!
Cheers and Extraordinary Moments to You!!
xxx,
T.
Labels: be extraordinary, more Tracy Porter
Reader Comments
Tracy, Thank you for that beautiful reminder of the bittersweetness that is life. Stop, look, and love. Well said. What a beautiful family, indeed.
I am so very touched…thank you!
Tracy, thank you for sharing. When I look at these photos, I just see love. Pure and unconditional love. It’s wonderful.
Hello Tracy…..We have Deanna Lynn in our family….she is 43….and has her own apartment she shares with anther lady….were others look after them….she gets the best care…..Deanna Lynn has out lived her Mother…and now her Grandmother watches over her……We Love Her…..even throw the tears….Wonderful Wonderful picture….
I swear do you or your Sister have an once of fat…..on you………grrrrrr…..She looks fabulous in that blouse and jacket with tights!!!! My boobs are too big….for all that fluff…….but I love it……MMMMM
Happy Day to you and your Staff………….
Tracy~
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing these amazing photos of precious Danny, Tara and Sydney (oh and precious “Duke” of course!) My heart has melted into a puddle of love….A heart-felt Thank-You to you… and to Tara, Danny and Sydney for sharing this little glimpse into their lives. Love is so very powerful. It truly IS what makes the world go ’round…(bless you!) xoxox Sand
Unconditional Love, Pure and simple. I’m such a baby with these stories, typing through tears. I love a great love story!
My sweet daughter Rosemary, 20 yrs old, couldn’t find her nit-ch in college and was so excited when she got a job working with disabled and mentally challenged people. She loves it so much and lights up when she tells us about people she works with. I’m so proud of her.
SCREAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM…YOU HAVE YOUR CATALOGE ON LINE…..PAGE BY PAGE….MIKE HAS BEEN BUSY…..Love it……….wowowowoowow
A warm and simply sweet thank you. You know you touched so many today in more ways than you will know. Have a wonderful day everyone and enjoy lifes precious precious moments.
That is so beautiful and encouraging, thank you. I was looking at (and loving!) the online catalogue and yes your customer service IS the bees knees. they are always so so fantastic. so rare!
Life is extraordinary and so is your beautiful family!!The love shown in these pictures touches my heart.
Thank you for the beautiful catalog ONLINE!Wow !!ROBYN you look MARVELOUS!Ladies enjoy this glorious day.
Yes, Tracy… The online catalog feature is great! (love that you can enlarge pages, AND mark favorites to save for yourself)
Tracy…what a beautiful family. You have shared about Dan, Tara, and Sydney before, but how wonderful to see their faces…so full of love and grace. These are priceless moments. xoxo
what a beautiful family, beautiful inspiration, and beautiful testament…
thank you, Tracy, for sharing this with us
Hi SYDNEY!
Just wanted to tell you how beautiful you are, inside and out! And I am so happy that you have DUKE! I bet he gives good kisses! OXOX
Demitasse
Such a beautiful moment to share in photos. Love is extraordinary, always always. And you have said the perfect motto for life, “stop and look and love, and be there.” I will carry this with me today. Thanks for sharing such a genuine moment of love.
Tracy…thank you for sharing about your family. Absolute gems…all of them. Huge hearts and I’m sure everyone is blessed who even comes in contact with them. Sydney and Duke are sure to be best of friends
Dear Tracy,
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos and observations of your niece and her family. I needed that. I recently had a sonogram with “bad news”. A picture of the beauty of these children really fleshed out the reality that ALL children are “good news”. May God bless you and I thank you.
Tracy, thank you for sharing this beautiful family moment with us. Sydney’s face is pure joy sitting between her mom and dad.
My heart is touched!
This story touched me deeply!
My heart is melted now… and will stay that way for the rest of the day I’m sure.
Thanks for sharing… and to Danny, Tara, and Sydney… my heart is full after seeing this simple moment.
Tracy, Thank you for sharing your brother, sis in law and niece with us- and darling Duke! I too have a niece with severe limitations (non verbal, limited mobility, etc) and her parents are absolutely incredible as you have shown your brother and his wife are. You really get a picture of the most unconditional love and you are able to gain some perspective and how insignificant some of the problems we may have really are…beautiful family you have!
Ladies…my rendezvous bag arrived yesterday just as promised. It is lucious with color and I LOVE it!!! The surprise tucked inside was a gift certificate for $100!!!! The funny story is that the gift certificate arrived in the mail almost immediately so I was confused thinking I was supposed to order the bag with the certificate that arrived. After calling I learned that it was extra! I ordered when there was an extra 30% off and so I got the Art Doyenne crochet scarf and the Heiress embellished slides in leopard lime…they are arriving this week. So THANK YOU Tracy!!! And your staff is so incredible…they really would lasso the moon if you needed them to…Love, love, love to you all today…Stacie
PS…Thank you CAMEO for reminding me to look in the archives…I found the videos of Robyn’s beautiful home…so worth poking around if you are fairly new to the blog. Wonderful recipies and fun videos on decorating and all sorts of things…check it out
TAMMY B.,
Sorry to hear about your sonogram…Prayers to you and your precious bundle…your comment reflects an amazing attitude. Blessings, Stacie
true love
xo
Tammy B……love you to the moon and back!!!!!!!!!
Anther word…..It takes a special person…..to take care of a special person….I know that for a FACT……..!!!
Thank you for sharing such beautiful moments of your family Tracy. What an extraordinary love………such a gift ..to all of us!! Thank you ….happy moments and many treasures..xoxo,bb
Hi guys!
ohhh…you are so sweet. i knew you would relate to the love in these photos, aren’t these guys amazing!!! Let me tell you….THEY ARE!!!
TAMMY B…my heart to you sweets…..you are in my thoughts….xoxoxo
STACIE…thank you or sharing about your niece…it is an amazing thing to witness in our own family. gives perspective to everything, truly.
CHAR…sounds like you raised a really amazing daughter!! It takes a big lovely heart to be the person she is and i am so glad she has found her passion…kisses to your girl!!!
VALERY…DEANNA LYNN….sounds happy and surrounded with love…the most important part!!! xoxoxo
So glad you have explored our new TRACY PORTER ONLINE CATALOG!!!! yay!!!….we are really excited to offer this as another way to inspire and help you explore….thanks for letting us know your thoughts!!
You guys are extraordinary everyday…and it is why i am so very humbled that you come and hang out here!!!
kisses and happiness to you!!!
xxxx
T.
Tracy…Danny and Tara are remarkable and the picture tells the story of how deeply connected they all are, as evidenced through Sydney’s smile…she is beautiful! I feel the love. Thanks for sharing more of your family with us & reminding us to be present in each moment…Peaceful day to you and all…Margie
Tracy,..Oh!,…that Beautiful smile on Sydney’s face, says it all,..It proves how powerful Love is,…it can move mountains….makes you put things in their proper perspective……SYDNEY, YOU ARE PRECIOUS!!!,….Have fun with Duke,…He sure is gonna LOVE YOU!!!……God Bless, both of you, TARA and DANNY, for your Strength, and Unconditional Love, you are truly Wonderful, people…Thank you, for sharing this touching and beautiful, moment of your lives…I am deeply touched!…. God Bless You, Sydney!!!XOXOXOXO
Tracy, you have pulled on yet another heart-string. Thank you for sharing all the beauty in your life. It is in moments like these that we are reminded how truly powerful love can be. Love can endure all…it can look life in the face and smile, the biggest toothy smile one could possibly imagine. My heart embraces your brother’s family and puppy kisses to all.
SNIPPET in the REAL.. Thank you for sharing! Yet another glimpse into your soulful lives. Oceans full of Kisses to you Sydney.
Laura and the Girls
Tracy, thank you my dear for sharing these precious photos of your family. I will bet that you are an awesome Auntie!! Tara and Danny, if you are reading this, YOU are the ones so blessed with your beautiful Sydney! I have often found that true beauty lies in simplicity…..a smile, a hug, a kiss from a pup(sweet Duke), a laugh……you are so lucky to be reminded each moment of simple and beautiful treasures. And Sydney…..I send you huge hugs and a great big smile and the same sunshine that you brought to me today!!!!!xoxo
That’s such a beautiful moment. Thank you for sharing it.
Tracy,
Thank you so much for sharing, it brought tears to my eyes. Love and Gratitude that is what is all about, and appreciating the fragility of life.
XO
Oh Tracy…what a beautiful child and family. Their love just flows from the screen. Thank you for sharing. The more you love…the more love you get…my mantra.
AMBER CALLISTA CARDIGAN!!… “IT COMES IN PINTS?!?”..to quote PIPIN from Lord of the RINGs. OH JOY!! What a Luscious color!
TRACY,..Yesterday, I meant it in the,..”I’M SO EXCITED, I JUST CAN’T HIDE IT, I’M ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL AND I THINK I LIKE”,…Way!!!!..I forgot to show my Happy face!..
….The new concept for the catalog is, PURE GENIUS!! You Guys, Rock!!!! XOXOXO
STACIE,..I always enjoy your blogs, you are the most pleasant and nicest person!…I have the leopard slides and they are Simply Divine!! you are going to LOVE them!!!XXXX
VALERY,..The Big Meet, is definitely still ON!, It was never, not on!!…. Oh!, and Cameo , dearest, we are still dining out!, No cooking will be done by me,…even though I can good French food now!!!, and if I must say so myself, I am darn good at it!!!! XXXX
TAMMY B,…So sorry to hear about your sonogram, you hang in there dear heart and feel all the LOVE and PRAYS, coming your way!!! I just know your gonna be alright!!! We are all here for you don’t forget that!!! XOXOXO
T,…….I am blown away by the beauty, strength and love in these photos!!!!! And I am loving TARA, DANNY, and SYDNEY………there is no woulda, coulda, shoulda, going on in their lives!!!!! ………and I am smiling!!!!!!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo
Tracy,
Sydney is absolutely beautiful and joyful and thank you so much for honouring us by sharing these wonderful photographs! I can just feel the love in all of their eyes and it has made my day!
And THANK YOU as well, for putting the catalogue online! Your canadian cousin loves you for it!!!
Tracy, thank you for sharing your family with us. Thank you for inspiring us to keep the right perspective in life. I think I might be emotional the rest of the day but that’s ok.
I see Syndney wearing a bib too….Deanna Lynn will get her spit all over us…..but we wipe and wipe and kiss and kiss…and she can make the sounds like you can not believe when she is hungry…..She has a special molded to her body wheel chair….and a wonderful high bed with wooden rails…… Tara and Danny….my hats off to you……..XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Angela….I was hoping you could cook and we would have Cameo do the dishes….lololololo….Oh and Angela…what dont you have????? LOLOOLO
Beautiful…wonderful moments, I nearly cried from the tenderness shown in each warm moment. Thank you for sharing these heartfelt photos. Sydney and her parents are loves light. k
Tracy, I wanted to make a comment about the new march goodies. I DO love looooove your things(and have a closet full!!) but this new collection, I am hard pressed to find anything that I would order. Its not the unique, sexy/stylishness that I love about my TP clothes. I do love a little boho but a lot of pieces I feel are more grandmas closet, I just feel like most people would look ‘frumpy’ in them. Especially since you do not make size XS, lots of smaller women would just look swallowed up. I do love that Belle Epoque Duster, how its just a touch shorter, I think that really helps.
I would love to see some of your old items and collections back…I know that most are one of a kind, but even variations on them are beautiful. Like the gorgeous Tango tunic and the french blush tunic (that sold out in small before I got them!!) I just thought I would mention it, you asked before what we would like to see more of, and its your really original sleek, sexy pieces that I love. I will always support TP, I am a huge fan, don’t get me wrong. I was just thought I would give a little constructive comment. Don’t rip me apart girls!
SarahKristi…I don’t think anyone’s going to rip you apart for voicing your opinion…if they do then shame on them! I actually find the pieces in the new collection to be super. I’ve said before that I am tall so I love the longer length but I can imagine if you are petite it would be a problem.
MADHATTER…or do you prefer Angela?…you’ve made me blush with your kind compliments…;)
Does anyone have the Bespoke Fleecy Tunic? Any feedback on it? Looks comfy…Good afternoon to you all, Stacie
SARAHKRISTI……..dont be spooked nobody is going to jump you ……I will protect you……dont worry……ITS OK….
STACIE….I am gretting ready to push the button on the BESPOKE FLEECY TUNIC…..GO FOR IT….GIRLFRIEND………..
Thank you for sharing the story of your family’s visit to your brother’s home. What absolutely lovely pictures ~ so touching to see your niece so very happy…expressing herself in such a beautiful, happy way!
Reminds how cherished life is, and how we need to enjoy every single moment to its very fullest!
Joy always ~ Jan
TRACY, I am so touched……. the warmth and love radiates from the pictures and blesses us all.
DANNY and TARA, your walk, I know, has not been easy and your challenges some days can feel very hard. What a blessing to be SURROUNDED IN LOVE by such a wonderful family. SYDNEY, you are a BEAUTIFUL INSPIRATION to us all and you are here blessing US at this very minute! We are the LUCKY DURLS…you have a “connection” to life” and a joy that radiates right out of the picture…and it is obvious how much your precious AUNT TRACY loves you! It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery French writer (1900 -1944)
SYDNEY, you are getting big enough now to even wear some of your aunt’s beautiful creations! Love your Duke….bet you get lots of kisses!
Your aunt Robyn looks FABULOUS in all her photo shoots!
TRACY- Thank you for including us in this warm moment in time and please pass on my appreciation to Dan, Tara and Sydney for sharing themselves and a precious moment – I needed this today. XO
This is my first two-blog day!
STACIE – I have the Bespoke Fleecy Tunic and I love it! It is very, very comfortable and retro-chic. I would say it is on the roomy side – I got a medium (5′6″, 135# and a tad hippy) and I have plenty of room – probably could wear the small. It does have very large armholes, so I need to wear something underneath – it is best on cool days. Though it is a casual fabric, I think you could belt it and wear it with a slim skirt or skinny pants and look like Audrey Hepburn. Hope this helps!
What a beautiful inspiration. I have devoted my work life to educating children with special needs. This photo of sweet Sydney with her loving parents brought a simultaneous tear and a smile.
Judy~ Thanks for the feedback. It is especially helpful to know it runs roomier so I know to order a size down if I don’t want it so big. That is just the info I was looking for thanks so much! :0) Stacie
LOVE…these photos of my brother Danny and Sis in law Tara….two of the most amazing people….You pulled all heart strings on these photos TP….I have to share a cute story. Two years ago Amanda, mom and I all went out to CA to visit for about a week……..Tara asked if we would go to one of Sydney’s classes. We did and it touched all three of us forever……There were maybe 10 kids in the class….and what a treat to meet them all and experience what loves they all are XOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Auntie Rob to Syndey…what a doll………Way to go TP
Tracy, I did not know the story of Sydney before, and so I am seeing her beautiful face, and her remarkable parents, for the first time. It is so moving that you consider us people with whom you want to share their story, and I thank you for that. It does indeed make one feel like being as extraordinary as possible to see this kind of love in the eyes of people who have been through so much together. Tara and Danny are the epitome of loving parents, and their dedication to Sydney – and what she gives in return – are so special to see captured in your photographs. You are all quite a remarkable family, with such a great outlook on life. Blessings to you all!
What a beautiful family, and how lucky they are to have each other. You captured this moment so beautifully. Thank you.
What a beautiful family, and how lucky they are to have each other. You captured this moment so beautifully. Thank you. ~Sallie Ann
Lovely post, Tracy! Extraordinary love… parents, children, pets… laughter!
these pictures of your family are the deariest (no typo), Tracy! thanks for sharing something so tender and intimate with us. I too have a niece who is 11 with some serious problems, wilms tumor and aniridea…very rare and complicated ,but she just absolutely shines and people are DRAWN to her!
I too see such love, unconditional, in these photos. It really touches my heart. I’ve found that unconditional love is what is required (that seems too harsh a word), but the love that they give back and the lessons they teach us are far beyond belief. Thanks for the reminder today!
Hi Tracy –
I haven’t commented here before, but I’ve been reading since I sent you an e-mail last month. What a beautiful place to spend some time each day, enjoying your thoughts and ideas, your beautiful things, and the camaradie and fellowship of your readers!
Your pictures of Danny’s family compelled me to commenet. What a beautiful girl Sydney is! Everyone is right, the love shines through. Strength and grace are definately cornerstones in that family! Thanks for sharing!
If we all could have unconditionl love like that toward each other,this world could be so wonderful!Thanks for sharing, so adorable!