Monday, April 07, 2008

Disposable Memories

One of my goals this weekend (other then taxes) was to go through my box of photos to find some memories to share. There were 2 sets of pictures I was specifically looking for, some from Jr High and High School, and some from about 10 years ago.

I am meeting up with a friend from high school this weekend who I haven't seen for 16 years, and I had some funny and mostly dorky pictures of us together from the 80's. We were pretty close back then and after graduation we never spoke again. Frankly I only kept in touch with 2 people. Thanks to Facebook, we have gotten back in touch and if the emails are any indication this weekend is going to be a blast. She recently posted a photo of us from Jr. High and I joked that I would do that same.

The other photos were of a 3 year old's birthday party which I had separated out all of the doubles for her mom. That 3 year old is now 13, and I thought her mom might appreciate the pictures. I remember putting them in an envelope to mail to her but I don't think I ever did. I wanted to make sure she got those pictures as her little baby with blond curly hair is now a beautiful TEENAGER with black and green hair. HA!

Sadly, as I pulled down that box of pictures, I realized that it was far lighter then I had remembered. Very vaguely I remember "cleaning out" this box last year. I think I was tossing photos that weren't in focus, or weren't clear from using a crappy camera, ones I would never put in a book or scan on the computer. Perhaps there were also some memories I decided I didn't need to keep a photo of because I had them in my head well enough. I had probably just watched "Clean Sweep" on TLC and had been inspired.

So now I'm bummed. Sad that the memories aren't quite as clear as they had been on that cleaning day. Sad that I don't have the fun pictures to share, or the history to archive. I do know that there was a large bunch of pictures in there that I had once thrown away when I was still living at my parents and my father pulled them out of the trashcan and gave them to me, telling me that someday I'll regret that.

Papa, you're right. I do.

12 comments:

~Donna~ said...

check out my blog from a few days ago....Autumn and company 3 yrs old...think it might be from the same party...

Tracy said...

Awww. What a sweet Papa.

xoxo

Autumn's Mom said...

awwww. I know I have pics from back then as well but it's nice to see others. You can give me a few pics and I'll give you the pic of autumn that she made a frame for just for you from like 5 years ago. Still blond and curly. I need to just keep it in my car for whenever I see you

Unknown said...

So thoughtful of your Dad to pull those pictures out of the trash.

I've been feeling rather wistful lately. Some old high school friends and I have found each other on Facebook. I started a group for the Class of '93. I cannot believe that this is the year we are supposed to have our 15 year reunion. Guess who got lucky enough to have to organize the shindig?!?

Part of me feels a bit weird in organizing a "reunion". How can you "re" something that was never really united in the first place? I mean, not everyone got along, there were cliques and groups. Now that we're all in our 30s, we're all excited to see each other again? Then the other part of me feels nostalgic and yearns for my youthful years. *sigh*

Laura said...

My father was that way as well, often pulling things out of the trash and keeping them for me. I found myself realizing that I am drowning in pictures (and other things) and should really start going through some stuff. This post has given me the idea to send a couple of goofy shots of us in the 80's to my high school best friend.

Angie said...

I've done this many times....got in a 'throw away' mood and regretted it later. :(

Gina said...

I try to never throw any pictures away. With the emphasis on "try" although it isn't always successful.

Karen MEG said...

Sometimes papas do know best. This is one of the reasons I am a major packrat.

I also joined a FB group for a high school reunion this year... we'll not get into deets, but it's a whole lot longer ago than C's. And it is indeed weird, some of those people on there I don't even recognize, some I do who wouldn't have given me the time of day and (and they haven't aged so well - yes!!! --- meow). So some memories are best at staying just that ... memories.

Tracy said...

Guess what, Cherry...I'm an auntie! Come see pics on my blog!

xoxo and happy friday!

Unknown said...

Hey, Cherry! Just popping by to see how things are going :) Hope all is well! XO

Love Bears All Things said...

I Thought of two things while reading this: I had no really deep friendships in High School and since I married in the 12th grade and moved away, I didn't keep up with anyone. We should all take the time to put those old photos on disk before it is too late.

My sister and I spend time remembering events from childhood. I guess that is the nearest I come to a friend like yours. We share a history. I have begun to try and write down some of that. My brother's girls are 10,14,15 and neeed these stories of their grandparents as do my grandchildren.
Mama Bear

Tracy said...

Cherry,

I was having a random thought about this post yesterday when I was driving in my car. I thought, "Cherry shouldn't feel too bad about having parted with those photos. There is something to be said about 'traveling lightly' without packrat tendencies in this life." There. I said it. Just thought I'd share.