If someone were to ask me what would I take with me if I suddenly had to evacuate my home, the answer would be the album you see in the photo.
Every now and then, my mother sends me a “care package”. Its usually underwear, skin care products, pajamas or random books. When I opened the box she sent me a few days ago, a saw a beautiful album with my name on it. Opening it almost immediately brought me to tears. Its a scrapbook she made that chronicles my entire known family history, my childhood, my brother, father and mother. There were photos of great grand parents and great aunts and uncles I have never seen before, pictures of my dad in his early 20s and even a page dedicated to my best friend in elementary school. I had no idea she even had those photos! Names, years, places – everything was listed.
Because my grand and great grand parents were born at home and many were orphaned as young children, my family history is very brief because records weren’t made and kept as they are today. Even my dad didn’t get his birth certificate until he was an adult. Knowing this emphasized to me how important it is to keep track of my family’s history. Since there are so few people, there is no excuse.
Seeing the pictures brought both pleasure and pain. Pleasure from seeing pictures of me and my brother together, me and my mother together, and my and my father. Pain from missing the relationship I always wanted with my father and other family members.
This is by far one of the greatest gifts I have ever received from anyone. When I spoke with my mother that evening, she told me it took her over six months to create it. I have never known her to be artistic, but this was an idea she had in her head for years and finally decided to take the plunge. I cant thank her enough for this wonderful gift!
Carla,
That is a wonderful gift your mother gave to you. Roots…matter. And I love how this has touched you deeply.
Lance´s last blog ..RAOKA: Wackiness
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Carla
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January 8th, 2010 at 8:53 am
@Lance – It sure is, Lance! You’re right, roots do matter.
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WOW, that is such a lovely gift! I love finding out about my family heritage and think it’s important to know – as much as possible – where you come from, as it can be so inspiring.
Thanks for sharing!
Sarah´s last blog ..2010 Resolutions
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Carla
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January 8th, 2010 at 8:54 am
@Sarah – I wish I knew more about my family’s history, but I’m thankful to know what I do know.
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Photos have a mysterious power of bringing us back to the past. Suddenly, a familiar feeling surfaces as we reminisce each piece. No matter how many times we see it, the magic goes the same. The gift of your mother is truly for keeps.
Walter´s last blog ..Words are never enough
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Carla
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January 8th, 2010 at 8:54 am
@Walter – You are so right about photos. They do bring us back to the past, even if we dont remember having them taken of us.
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Wow, what a glorious gift. You will treasure this forever. Thank you for sharing it but most importantly, thanks for sharing your authentic feelings. My dad left us when I was 14. If my mom made me an album, she would never include him in it. It’s beautiful that all of your family is included!
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Carla
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January 8th, 2010 at 8:55 am
@Audra – Thank you for sharing. My dad was with me physically, but not emotionally. I cried both tears of joy and sadness when I was reviewing the photos.
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Wow. What a thoughtful gift.
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Carla
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January 8th, 2010 at 8:55 am
@Vered – It sure is!
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Carla – isn’t it wonderful to know you are loved? Sometimes we don’t see the forest for the trees. What a wonderful gift!
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What a sweet sweet gift. I have when there’s been fires (2 in my first apartment building) always grabbed my photo albums only! lol
Eyeliah´s last blog ..Your Heart Is Gonna See You Through
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Great site, exactly what I was looking for, I can’t get your RSS feed to work right in google chrome though, is it on my end?
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Carla
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February 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Hey, I just tried it in Google Chrome and I was able to get it to work…Are you on a PC or Mac?
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