Photo review thoughts: we are called in many different ways

I've found one happy picture after another from this line of relatives. I think this picture
was taken around 1915. 

I visited my parents yesterday. In many ways they are home-bound during this pandemic and hot weather. We had a nice lunch, and then I continued my family history project by sorting through multiple boxes of photos looking for those old black and white pictures of past events.

A picture of my Papa Dan who lived until
almost 100 with two of my cousins. 

My close-to-ninety-year-old mom and ninety-year-old dad were able to answer the many questions I asked as I looked at the old photos. One central question I'm seeking an answer to is what made one line of my family so joyful, happy, and spirited. Every time I look at the pictures of their early life, a zest for living jumps out at me. I want to understand more about their family culture and history. Mom was able to identify the people and tell many stories. This is a good way to connect with my parents at this time.

Also, as I looked through picture after picture, I encountered many various thoughts. Looking back, I realized there was often a mismatch with the way I felt and the story the pictures told. Times when I may have felt less happy or successful actually were good times for many reasons, reasons I didn't recognize at the time. People that I know well now, but didn't know well when I was young, were more present to me via the pictures--I learned things about them I didn't know back then by examining their spunk, experiences, and companions in the pictures. Individuals' passions came through via this photo review--again and again there were photos of my dad in beautiful, natural settings with a big smile on his face. Other family members' passions came through too via impromptu fashion shots, athletic events, family fun, and photos that captured tender, loving moments. In summary, I realized how we are called in different ways, and it's important to respect those various passions and pursuits.

What do you do with all these wonderful photos?

A photo that illustrates one family's great success with
academia--an inspiration to all of us. 

I think that I'll engage in a number of thematic projects beginning with the family history project. I'll piece together as much of the family history story as I can using as many pictures as I can. While words are important, the pictures do bring you back in time in meaningful ways.

Then, I may engage in some other themes such as themes related to specific relationships such as sisters, brothers, families, adventures, and passions.

Turning boxes of photos into stories brings a sense of connection, strength, joy, and spirit to life. I'll am interested in where this journey will take me in the days ahead. Onward.