For some time I’ve been wanting to take pictures of things around the house that have sentimental or family historic value, label them somehow, and write a brief summary of what it is and why it has value. My boys haven’t a clue what the story is behind many of these items and would just consider them to be old. They would probably discard or sell many of them.
Doing this will at least give them the story behind the item and allow them to make a more intelligent decision regarding keep or toss. It will also give me a chance to put some of my thoughts on paper, for whatever that is worth.
I decided yesterday that if I was going to do this, there was nothing like the present to start. I took my camera, checked the batteries, and began. Thinking I would have 20 to 25 photos, I started in the back yard with the “memorial weenie sticks”.
I took 71 photos, and know I am not finished yet. I am amazed at the number of things I found that have stories behind them, used to belong to an ancestor, or are important for some other reason. I’ve written a “commentary” about each photo after numbering the photo by using the number as the file name. As technology changes, I will have to migrate these to the newer formats. I can also just have prints made and print out the commentary, put it away, and tell the boys about it.
I don’t know the full story behind many of the things that are old to me and were handed down by my parents. I only know snippets and my memory may or may not be reliable. I am writing, however, what I think I know about the item, even if I may not be really sure of it. I think they need to know those thoughts that I have attached to the items. They can make their own decisions.
It’s been good to write this stuff down. I will probably review what I’ve written and add/subtract to/from it as we go on and as I recall more. I’m not certain how the boys will react, but hope they will appreciate it for what I intend it to be…a passing of history, not necessarily just things, to them for their appreciation. May they ever and always know and understand what they are made of.
2 comments:
That is a great idea! There are a few things that have been designated for each child - but wasn't sure how to mark it without "marking it." I love that. I can explain the history, the origin, and who was suggested to get it. If they don't want it - they can give it to the sibling of their choice. - Kathy
Jay, what a wonderful idea. I would love to see what you have done sometime.
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