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| Dad's Cousin and Me |
I just received this image in my inbox over the weekend. This is the picture from my visit with my cousins a week ago Saturday. Remember, I met with Dad's cousin, her son (closer to my age), and his daughter that day.
Dad's cousin was born a few short months after he was, and she told me they even attended the same high school (in different classes because of their age difference). We shared memories, while she and her son took copious notes. Her son said the information was coming so fast it was like "drinking water from a fire hose". I admit, we packed a lot of stories and facts into our few short hours together. We promised we'd get together again soon.
Before we parted ways, her son wanted to take a picture of his mom and me together. She resisted, saying she hates having her picture taken. I'm so glad we convinced her to sit for this one. Her smile is contagious, and now we have her beautiful face to put with her name when I share our visit with my siblings who've yet to meet her.
Do you hate having your picture taken, too? Let me tell you what I said to her. When you're gone, memories, stories and your pictures will be all that's left of you for your family and friends. They'll be the proof that you were ever here. No one will care what you weighed, how many wrinkles you have, what color your hair is, what you're wearing, or whether or not your smile is crooked. What they'll remember is the love, laughter, and time...mostly time...they shared with you.
So, please. If you're "photograph hesitant" or "photograph resistant", stop. Jump right in front of the camera. Share your best smile. Let people see the life in your eyes. Let your light shine. You owe it to everyone who knows and loves you. Forget about the haters. They don't matter. What matters is that you are here. It won't always be that way, and letting someone take your picture is leaving a part of you for someone to embrace when you're gone. Proof that you once lived a glorious life on this earth.
I'm looking forward to my next visit with our cousins. I'm already planning what I'll take with me on my next trip to see them. Not only a written family tree of my father's descendants, but also pictures. Photographs I'm quite sure they don't have of our shared ancestors; my great grandfather, and my grandfather (who is her uncle)...and a few more of my Dad. More proof that they were here - to share with their ancestors.
It's a great picture, & a great memory for you, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI also hate my picture being taken, but my niece says otherwise!
Her camera is always out, or she snaps on her phone & you don't even know it.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteI'm so glad your family persists, and that they get photographs of you. I'm sure they're treasured now, and will be in the future.
Big hugs.
xoxo
Donna
What an amazing photograph! Those smiles say so much and what a treasure to have not only the memory in your mind of the visit but also a tangible reminder in the form of the photo. I'm an amateur genealogist and I so agree with everything you've said about photo records (I'm the one always behind the camera but rarely in front of it and must be careful to rectify that) but I would like to add one important thing - always, always, always put the names on the back (and date if you know it)....and not simply just 'Aunt Doris'....the full given name. In generations to come people won't have a clue who Aunt Doris is - was she the real Aunt Doris...or the one that lived down the road that simply had the honorary title. I can't tell you the sheer volume of photos that I inherited that had no information on them and I didn't have a clue who they were. (getting down off my soapbox now.....)
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteI'm so happy we have this image. Dad's cousin is beautiful, inside and out. I love your idea about the photographs. I completely agree. I have them captioned in the computer, but I really need to go back and do that with the hard copies. Thanks for mentioning that important idea.
Now...You need to get in front of the camera, too! Be brave, my friend. (giggling) You can do it!
Big hugs,
xoxo
Donna
Oh Dear…I am the reticent face not wanting to be photographed. Your reasoning makes a lot of sense for future generations. I suppose I could give in to my new mantra…Progress not Perfection. I do ever so like the way God created me and I am very thankful I am who I am. Blessings Dear.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry, dear.
DeleteListen to me and believe me, please. I've seen your beautiful face. Please don't hide from the camera. Your smile is infectious, and your family will appreciate having it in photographs. Don't be shy! You'll find it gets easier. Handsome always says, "Camera Face" when I get in front of the camera. I guess that makes me a bit of a ham. Be a ham, too! ;-)
Hugs, hon.
xoxo
Donna
Donna, that is a great picture! One for the memory book!
ReplyDeleteHi Sherri:
DeleteThanks so much, dear. I'll be sending copies to my siblings for their albums, and will look forward to seeing her again. She's a delight.
Big Hugs,
xoxo
Donna