Today I went to the mailbox and noticed among the bills and fliers a personal letter from my Aunt. Outside of Christmas cards, I don’t ever get mail from my Aunt. Naturally curious, I tore into it right there, only to have my heart stop beating for a second. In my hands was a picture of me on my wedding day with my dear cousin Matthew.
Matthew, who I loved so much growing up. Matthew, who always had a smile for me. Matthew, who could make me laugh so hard, my stomach hurt. Matthew, who died tragically not even two years ago.
His ex-girlfriend had come across some photos of him and realizing they would mean more to his mother than to her, she sent them along. My Aunt, in turn, felt that I should have this one in particular. She wrote “I hope you are glad to receive it, as I am to send it to you. It is a memory of happier times.”
Looking at this picture, I am shaken. I never have been able to reconcile the horrible way he died to the person I knew. Through my tears though I am happy to have this photograph. A snapshot in time that my memory had buried. A minute of me goofing around with my cousin at my wedding reception, shoes kicked off, dancing the night away, surrounded by people I loved. This picture could have collected dust in some shoebox hundreds of miles away, never appreciated, for it only had meaning for the two people in it. Instead, someone took the time to pass it along. Now, it gets put in a frame and displayed. Memories will be sparked looking at it, stories will be told and a loved one will be remembered fondly.
The next time I come across one of those pictures that means nothing to me, I’ll remember it could to the people in it and send it along. I’m grateful someone did for me.
Blueberry Syrup
Kat
I never thought of photos that way. What a great idea!
Sherrie Guthrie
Thank you for sharing Candace, this post brought tears to my eyes. I still have pictures of loved ones lost that are still to painful to bring out of those dusty shoeboxes.
Kelly
First, may I say, you looked absolutely beautiful and your cuz was a real looker! Holy handsome batman. Second, I am so sorry he is gone. He was obviously much loved and is much missed.
I think this post is so important. I for one have some sort of ‘thing’ about throwing out photos. Just can’t do it. I’m going to take a cue from your Aunt and in doing so I’ll be able to really concentrate on the pics that bring me joy and pass the joy on to others as well. Thanks for this:)
Charlene
If this doesn’t reinforce CL’s”don’t let your babies grow up to be jpegs” mantra nothing will. I’m so glad you have that photo to frame and add to your family history. Can you image if the ex-girlfriend came across a disc?She likely would’ve thrown it out without a second glance. It’s a beautiful picture documenting so much love.Cherish it & the memory of your cousin.
Stephanie Montreuil
Beautiful post… There isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said. 1. I will look at photos differently and wonder if someone would cherish it more than I would… 2. I really need to print more photos than I have so far. Thank you for writing this xo
Jodi Martin
Sob. That’s all. Hugs Candace:)
Leslie
I’ve never been big on photographs. Now you’ve got me thinking about it. With a tear in my eye, I think I’ll flip through a few photos! You and your cousin look so incredibly happy. I’m glad for you that someone took that photo and that through someone’s generosity, the memory of that moment was gifted back to you.
Julia
So true. My aunt made up a small book for me after my Mom died that had a few photographs of my mom from when she was younger and when I was a baby. Photos I had never seen. I treasure it.
Candace
I remember once my mom’s sister found an old school photo of my mom while visiting an old family friend. The woman didn’t even know who it was. To us it is priceless.
Candace
Thanks for reading and commenting Sherrie 🙂
Candace
It’s spurred me on as well. I’m already looking for photos to pass on.
Candace
Amen. I am so behind in printing my pictures, but I’m going to start this weekend, one small batch at a time.
Candace
Part of the problem is that since digital came along we have SO many pictures to choose from, it can be overwhelming. I’m going to start printing some off this weekend, but just my favorites 🙂
Candace
Thanks Jodi. Big puffy eyes today 😉
Candace
Honestly, there was so much happening that day, that this small moment had been buried. I am so glad to have a photo of it. Smiles and tears. Mixed emotions.
Candace
Julia, I couldn’t agree with you more (see reply to Kat at top). These are such easy things for us to do for someone else, yet mean so much.
Maija @ Maija's Mommy Moments
So very very true! Thank you for the reminder… now if you’ll excuse me I have a shoe box or two to go through 🙂
shirley jardine
candace i shake and sob as i print this. i am so glad it touched you this way as i hoped it would. i didn’t want it to hurt you .but i thought it was a special memory!i love you.now iam so glad i did! i hope soon to remember only happy memoriessooner than later .my heart is still so broken! god please help us to always tell the people we love just that.i must go and blow my nose and wipe my tears once again love aunt shirley.
Candace
I love you too Shirley 🙂 Love to Uncle Lloyd as well. The picture is on my windowsill in my office. I can see his smiling face every day now. Thank you.
Brandy Insane Mamacita
Such a beautiful picture and great memory to have of your beloved cousin. Cousins are our first real friends. I know I am very close to a few of my cousins and wouldn’t know what to do without them.
When my mom passed my grandma brought over some pictures of my mom when she was a baby and child. I was so glad she did that.
And I so need to start printing out pictures. I am about 4+ yrs behind. Dang digital cameras!
Cherie-Lynn
Oh my goodness Candace what a great memory. Although I had tears in my eyes I couldn’t stop smiling as I read this post.
It’s memories like this that remind us how important pictures, I truly mean honest to goodness printed pictures, are to have. Chance are everytime you walk past this framed photo you will smile.
Cherie-Lynn
Charlene it excites me to know end when people “get” Don’t Let Your Kids Grow Up To Be JPegs. Precious memories need to be displayed and printed not stored on our computer.
Michelle
Such an amazing story of love and healing Candace. What a beautiful reminder to share ourselves with others, one never knows what might touch the heart.
shirley jardine
you’re welcome!
Sharon
This post was the perfect way to start my day xo
Vicky
Thanks for sharing Candace. Also a reminder of how important it is to print our photos and enjoy them (and the memories we capture!)
Tara
Iove this post. Love.
Erika Wilson
Well written Candace. There are so many memories in “shoe boxes, digital cards” Matthew will live on in your heart. How nice you can share it with your Girls.