Last night I shared my family photos with my partner.

I've always been proud of my collection.

1 because my mum was a little more than obsessed with me.

But 2 because you can see how close we were as an immediate and extended family.

I spent my first 2 Xmas' in the Midlands with my mum's side of the family.

I have so many cousins and they absolutely loved me as much as I loved them.

Over the years things have changed dramatically especially due to some fallings out. Mental health and just a general shift in the way families navigate modern life.

Consequently although my grandparents are now great -great grandparents they only see the new additions infrequently.

My partner was so shocked to see how many photos my mum had. It's a large wicker basket full.

Unfortunately for him he hasn't been so lucky.

His parents home had a fire many years ago and they lost a lot of their sentimental items.
He has very few photos, so the one he treasures the most is the one with his grandfather.

I could see he was getting emotional.

But I have tried to take every and any opportunity to capture as many photos of him as I can.

Do you have a lot of memories captured and saved?

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Zeuro · 26-30, F

We used to take family photos all the time. Ironically, even though over the years it’s gotten easier to take them, we’ve become a lot less inclined to take them. If it’s not a holiday gathering or we’re not on some nice vacation, for the most part we don’t really capture the moment.

With that said, we did take a group photo with the people who came to my house for thanksgiving the other day.

My uncle took the photo. They’re not all family, my cousin brought 3 of his friends from college. I’m on the far right :)

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Zeuro that is a really nice photo. I think it's important to at least mark special occasions with a photo. It's weird you say that. I would agree. Now we have mobile phones people don't really take photos like they used. I know I don't. Personally I feel it comes with pressure. Where will it go, is it for the benefit of sentiment or likes..? Life should be simple and could be if people were more honest and honourable.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

You have a beautiful family. , 💕

Zeuro · 26-30, F

@Mellowgirl thank you!

Aysel · F

You're a wonderful partner to your SO. We have a tonne of photos, just like you, and I have a range of feelings when I look at them—both joy and sadness, as I've lost a lot of the individuals I see in them. You said that your partner lost a lot of photos in a fire; that must be really upsetting, and the only thing you can do is just comfort him. I think it's great that you're taking so many photos with and of him. It's lovely that you will both have a wealth of joyful memories to reflect on and share with your own child as they grow up.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Aysel thank you aysel. That's really kind of you to say.
I love him a lot. And in all honesty I'm sad for him that he's not as appreciated as I think he deserves.
It's great he does things for family and they sing his praised but the core of him what he values most is often left unattended.
Hopefully the void will soon be filled.

I completely understand the mix of emotions. I've felt the same. Uncles and aunties that have passed. Family members We've become estranged from.
It's sad.
But I hope despite your sadness you can look back at those photos and accept at that particular time you were all happy. ❤

4meAndyou · F

I DID at one time. Unfortunately, there was an entire trunk-load (boot-load), of photo albums from my mother, and I was moving to a one bedroom apartment, so I asked my son to store them for me. They are probably all water damaged, or growing mildew in his basement, and when I ask him to give me some of them so I can digitize them, they are not forthcoming.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@4meAndyou I am so sorry that has happened... I would like to think that people when happy to take your things in, care for them the way you would if not better. But it seems a lot of the time this is not the case.
😞

4meAndyou · F

@Mellowgirl Originally he offered to store all of my things in his garage, but two years later changed his mind...and I had to have a big yard sale in his front yard.

bijouxbroussard · F

There are photos of me, but Pop and other loved ones have most of them. Even as a child I was a bit shy about taking pictures.

But I love finding old family photos, even the ones that predate my arrival, like this one. My grandfather, in the middle circa 1915.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@bijouxbroussard what a handsome young man. He looks like a friendly guy.
But what's nice to see is the sense of pride all of them carry perhaps for being apart of something significant.

eyeno · M

Believe it or not none, maybe a few if any.

But I do remember the good times and where i was at the time whenever I reminisce.

ShenaniganFoodie · 36-40, M

I also lost photo of family in a flood.

It's not the same,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but it is always close to me

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