The year my Dad passed we were expecting our first Grandson Jackson. It was a long winter to go through, depression and anticipation are an odd mix. I decided that keeping busy was the best medicine for me so I began putting together a Christmas Album. Up till then, the various years were scattered from album to envelope to the "Picture Box." Every night I'd set down to watch TV and go through the pictures, 1970-1994. Years of Christmas mornings spread out before me to be placed in the pages of an album that I hoped would mean something in time to the Grandchild waiting to be born.
As I went through the pictures, the memories flowed back. Stephanie was 2 when we were stationed at Biloxi, Mississippi in the above pictures (1972).
Stephanie and her Daddy under the mistletoe...Sacramento, California 1974
1981, Amy was 2 and Stephanie 10
Many, many Christmases at our parents houses. We were lucky, they lived across the pasture from each other so when we went it meant TWO Christmases!
1987 at Mom and Dad's
1988, the next year Stephanie graduated from High School
When you look at a picture you see many things, the look of surprise on someone's face, the excitement of opening the gifts and you remember the feelings you had at that moment of being with the ones you love the most.
It was the perfect project for me to work on. I relived the many happy years that my Dad enjoyed his Grand Daughters. His greatest joy was when we were all together. Whether it was Christmas, or digging potatoes out of the huge garden he grew each year, or at the table laughing and talking all at once...he loved every minute. I think that's probably what I inherited from him that I value the most. It's those moments in our lives that add meaning and joy and make each Christmas something so very special...
The year my Dad passed we were expecting our first Grandson Jackson. It was a long winter to go through, depression and anticipation are an odd mix. I decided that keeping busy was the best medicine for me so I began putting together a Christmas Album. Up till then, the various years were scattered from album to envelope to the "Picture Box." Every night I'd set down to watch TV and go through the pictures, 1970-1994. Years of Christmas mornings spread out before me to be placed in the pages of an album that I hoped would mean something in time to the Grandchild waiting to be born.
As I went through the pictures, the memories flowed back. Stephanie was 2 when we were stationed at Biloxi, Mississippi in the above pictures (1972).
Stephanie and her Daddy under the mistletoe...Sacramento, California 1974
1981, Amy was 2 and Stephanie 10
Many, many Christmases at our parents houses. We were lucky, they lived across the pasture from each other so when we went it meant TWO Christmases!
1987 at Mom and Dad's
1988, the next year Stephanie graduated from High School
When you look at a picture you see many things, the look of surprise on someone's face, the excitement of opening the gifts and you remember the feelings you had at that moment of being with the ones you love the most.
Your father would be delighted to be remembered this way. Thank you for a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet a remembrance of your Father & the memories you cherish, Joy. A little teary eyed here ... I cherish my pictures, I love going thru them...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas ~
TTFN ~ Marydon
REMEMBERING IS GOOD AND THATS A GOOD WAY TO DO IT. IT'S HARD WHEN A PARENT DIES BUT LOOKING BACK CAN BRING IT ALL HOME TO OUR HEARTS! Come say hi :D
ReplyDeleteWe all long to think "we will never be forgotten". What a lovely tribute to your Father.
ReplyDeleteBTW, We had a sofa exactly like the one in your 1973 photo! LOL
Oops!
ReplyDeleteMeant to say the "1974 sofa photo".
Remembering is a double edge sword -it is great, but it's a tad bit sad too.
ReplyDeleteSandie
And I'll bet you look through that scrapbook every single year. Wonderful tribute to your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally speechless! I think that's life is all about. An album of stories!
ReplyDelete