At the beginning of each year, I am amazed at how quickly the previous year has passed away. I reflect on my family and am amazed at each of their accomplishments over the previous year and it helps me to look at what I've been able to do myself. My business is growing and I have learned so much and I've met and talked to some amazing people. I love being able to share families enjoying each others company as we capture their family portraits. I have learned so much and know this year will provide many opportunities to continue to learn and grow. It's so easy to become stagnant if we aren't growing and stretching ourselves in whatever venture or goal we decide to pursue.
I've also been able to restore pictures for people and bring their treasured memories back for them. We all have a heritage and being able to preserve that heritage will help us know who we really are. I've been searching some of my own family history stories in search of specific stories to share with my daughter to help her learn about some of her pioneer heritage. It never ceases to amaze me at the strength these people had when they were willing to give up all that they had in search for a better life. Going into unknown areas, not sure what to expect, and arriving and having to build their life from scratch. They worked hard and committed to doing what they needed to so they could live their dreams. Some really struggled and didn't have much as far as worldly possessions, but through their stories, I can read about the love they had for their family. I know of oral stories being told about family members living in rough situations but cherish those times because they were able to laugh together as a family. Treasure the times you have together and write down your memories.
A very dear friend of mine lost her mother this past year and all she wanted of her belongings were her pictures. She wants to preserve and save her family history. She has taken on the task of going through and identifying pictures and reaching out to other family members to help her. I've been asked to help her digitize her collection. It is going to be a big project cataloging her mother's life, but what a precious gift she will leave her posterity. No task is ever too big, you just have to do it one step at a time.
So where do you start? Start keeping a journal, record memories of growing up, talk to any extended family still living and record their stories. Take pictures and record who is in the pictures. One of the biggest family tragedies is having family pictures and not being able to identify who is in the picture. You will want to store your history in a safe place. A free site is familysearch.org and you can upload pictures, documents, audio files and stories.
Now is a good time to update your family pictures. Contact me at cheri@cherisphotos.com and we can schedule your family session or I can answer questions about getting started with your family history.
