I knew Alison and I were going to get along great. Sometimes I just have that feeling.

I first met her when she was getting her hair done for prom and I was getting a haircut from her sister-in-law. First of all, I am super jealous of her beautiful, long hair. But that’s beside the point. (I accidentally stole her hairband, but I told her I was going to keep it if it would give me hair like hers.)

Here are some of the reasons I love Alison beyond her hair:

• Her favorite TV shows are America’s Next Top Model (“Congratulations. You are still in the running to become America’s next top model.”), Say Yes To The Dress (yes, please!), and The Office (one of my favorites as well!).
• She gets really annoyed when people have no empathy or lose sight of what is really important in life. (Preach it, sister!)
• She thinks that the most important issue facing her generation is lack of respect. (Again, preach it, sister. I told you that I love this girl! She’s smart. Which brings me to the next point…)
• Her friends describe her as sweet, caring, athletic, and smart. (Obviously.)
• The clincher is that the people she most admires are her mom and dad. (Alison, I am going to have a daughter and she is going to be just like you.)

Alison has a lot of things going for her and I know beyond a doubt that she is headed for successful adulthood. She is wise beyond her years and that is going to take her places she never dreamed of, plus, she’s very athletic and is involved–and successful–in nearly every sport available.

Ali surprised me in many ways; most of all because I knew that she was beautiful, but many times, beauty comes with drama and a little bit of diva. Ali is not any of those. Alison has this natural beauty that just oozes out of her. She didn’t slip shoes on once during our session, instead choosing to walk through the pasture barefoot; she didn’t even do her hair, that’s just how it looks; she loves to be outside and the animals have a very obvious love of her; she had a few outfits laid out, but wanted my opinion and swapped in and out of clothes faster than I could image; she is so easy-going and natural. Because of all of this, I loved every single minute with her and I have a lot of respect for her.

Ali, thank you. It’s so nice to know that we have wonderful, genuine people like you joining us in the “adult” world. You are truly beautiful in every way.