Mom has a lot of memories from her teenage years of fear, deprivation and loss. However, she says she's happy because having known the depths of despair, her joys are that much greater today.
I've read somewhere that objects can't give you lasting happiness. Therefore buying a lot of things won't give you continuing pleasure. However, happy experiences are the treasured memories that will give you precious lasting contentment.
Ever since mom lost her beloved sister, Grace a few years ago, she looks back at the photo albums we made for her to relive the happy times we shared during our travels.
We took mom to Seattle and Canada twice. She even got to meet bloggers, DJan and Linda!
I've written before how mom loves to look at the photo books of the many travels we've done together. I think it's what made her decide to take one more trip to Japan last year to celebrate her 90th year.
Looking at the books and remembering the details of the fun times always makes her smile. She likes to remind us of things we might have forgotten.
I truly believe keeping these happy memories alive keeps her in a joyful frame of mind. I also know it's what makes me work so hard to preserve these memories in photo books. Some day Art and I will be looking at these books to remember our joyful times.
I've read somewhere that objects can't give you lasting happiness. Therefore buying a lot of things won't give you continuing pleasure. However, happy experiences are the treasured memories that will give you precious lasting contentment.
Ever since mom lost her beloved sister, Grace a few years ago, she looks back at the photo albums we made for her to relive the happy times we shared during our travels.
We took mom to Seattle and Canada twice. She even got to meet bloggers, DJan and Linda!
I've written before how mom loves to look at the photo books of the many travels we've done together. I think it's what made her decide to take one more trip to Japan last year to celebrate her 90th year.
Looking at the books and remembering the details of the fun times always makes her smile. She likes to remind us of things we might have forgotten.
I truly believe keeping these happy memories alive keeps her in a joyful frame of mind. I also know it's what makes me work so hard to preserve these memories in photo books. Some day Art and I will be looking at these books to remember our joyful times.
I stopped printing photo books quite some time ago, but I have quite a few pics of kids stuck up in my room.
ReplyDeleteI've continued to make photobooks through photobook.com after my kids travel somewhere. My favourite was the one for my SIL who went to Antarctica!
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful memories. I found with albums I'd get cat hair on them, and the pages would stop sticking. I like the new technologies.
You have such adventures on your travels. I really enjoy reading about them.
I know you put so much time and effort in making these photo books but you have to feel elated in how they are appreciated. It was so sweet of you to provide your Mom an easy way to enjoy the past and those who are no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you see your efforts being much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful wise post!
ReplyDeleteYour photo journals and blog are really wonderful. A lot of work, but well worth it!
ReplyDeleteIt was also wonderful to meet the entire family, and Mom holds a special place in my heart. I always love to read about what she's doing now. :-)
ReplyDeletePhotos are magical.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a pleasure to meet you all and share some of the beauty of our Pacific Northwest.
ReplyDeleteI have not make books like you have, which I think is wonderful for your mom. I do have thousands of photos stored on external hard drives, all sorted and labeled, plus photo albums I made of earlier trips, before I just quit printing and saved digitally. It is fun to look back and remember, including my memories of meeting you.
What a wonderful way to reinforce her memories of happy times! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteIt really is a happy feeling to see her able to remember and relive her exciting memories of travel.
DeleteHow you care for and treasure Mom inspires us to be better people.
ReplyDeletefamily memories is what life is about...loving, living and working together to solve problems and enjoy the journey!
ReplyDeleteI saw this at a pharmacy, there will be a diabetes conference on Sat 2/29 at the Convention Center. It's $25 pp and $20 pp if two or more. It's got a number of tracks and diabetes specialist docs and includes a healthy lunch. Website is tcoyd.org/honolulu20. bb
ReplyDeleteThank you bb. I didn’t know about this one. I have been to another one which was quite interesting, but I’ll have to take a pass on this one. Thank you for the ‘heads up.’
DeleteI have been too lazy to create the photobooks, except for the grands. Maybe I should do something about the China book
ReplyDeleteShe looks happy. She loves to remember the adventures.
ReplyDeleteI think photo's and photo books or albums are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Please give my love to your dear mom, Kay.
ReplyDelete