THE GIFT OF . . .
Story by Ashley Elvington • Collin M. Smith Photography
Pictured left to right with Santa: Ansley, George Cole
and Charlotte
Instead of ending her year
in sorrow and grief, Kenan is welcoming the final puz-
zle piece to completing her family – their new baby boy, Perry. “I can’t wait to see his little
face. He was named after both of my grandfathers. He’s going to be spoiled completely rotten!
I can’t wait to see him, hold him and watch him complete our family. This is our family. He’s our little
present.” Ending this difficult year on such a positive note has restored Kenan’s hope for the future.
“Just because negative things come into our lives doesn’t mean that we have to dwell on those
things. Instead, we can see a happy ending.”
This month, she’s looking forward to seeing all of the kids together around the tree as the excitement of the season kicks in. “My family is the most perfect gift. In my mind, it’s a Norman Rockwell
image. In reality, the tree will probably be knocked down and gifts will be everywhere, but it’s perfect to me… to have my desire finally be fulfilled.”
Before Perry’s arrival, Kenan didn’t have much desire to have a family portrait taken. These days,
she has changed her mind. Now that Perry has arrived, the Granger family portrait will no doubt
serve as a reminder that, even though there are storms that come in life, God will keep His promises. “It doesn’t even seem like we need a Christmas this year, not the materialistic part anyway.
Once Perry is here, that is the perfect little gift to have. He’s the culmination of our year. The nice
little bow on the top of the package.”
My family is the most
perfect gift. In my
mind, it’s a Norman
Rockwell image . . .
”
Kenan Walkup Granger is a stay-at-home mom who resides in Sardis, South Carolina, with her husband
Cole and their four children, Ansley, Charlotte, George Cole and Perry.
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DECEMBER 2015
SHEMAGAZINE.COM