The importance of photographs

A while back I posted about my Mother’s Day project. I am still in the process of making a “video” of photos and old home movies of my mom growing up, her children growing up and her grandchildren … and now her great-grand child, Jenna Joy.

As I sit here tonight looking at old photos of family times, children growing up and the older family members getting even older… I ask myself if these photos have truly served their purpose … They are here to show us glimpses of the past and to preserve the past. They connect us, across time, across the miles of separation between family members and across lifetimes.

As I flip slowly from one image to the next, I feel the tears welling up in my eyes because I miss those who I can no longer reach out and hug. I remembered last January while I got to spend a couple of days with my mom and her telling me the stories within the photographs that I treasure. It is indeed a precious gift. I am seeing places and times that I never could have without these pieces of paper in my hands. And even if I could have seen them, even if I could have followed the paths they took, I would not be able to see through their eyes like I can when I soak in this story book of their lives.

Not only can I travel back in time, but I think about the future as well. I wonder if I will one day my own memories will one day be viewed with this same joy by my own grandchildren. I have remembered and relived moments gone by. I catch glimpses of laughter and memories made with friends & family.

These photographs do indeed bring me joy and I hope my children will enjoy them and their children.

Deb