The True Sweetness of Old Photographs

My folks, captured by Cantrell Portrait Design

by Skip Cohen

​Parts of this morning's Sunday Morning Reflections post are from my archives but were shared on past Easter Sundays. Writing this morning's thoughts are pretty tough because I shared so much in yesterday's post. I don't want to write more about the pandemic, and so appreciate the incredible response from so many of you on Facebook. 

So, I started digging through past posts, and some of what I wrote about two years ago rang so true this morning. We're all in various stages of sheltering in place, but our favorite photographs and memories are alive and well. For me, they keep me going - like a constant recharge on a battery.

Since the pandemic started, my folks have been on my mind almost every day. I've had moments where missing them was so intense I cried, and then minutes later was laughing about something from the past. I miss my folks and wonder what wisdom they would have shared during this time in history. 
 
Two years ago, my good pal Erin McLeod, the CEO of the Senior Friendship Centers, at their evening gala event fund-raiser said,

"We have all had someone we can say shaped us, guided and mentored us as we grew...an elder who saw potential, offered instructions and encouragement. Just for a moment, as the sun sets right out these windows overlooking Sarasota Bay, please join me in raising a glass to that elder and to all the elders."

So what's my point? 

All of us have people in our lives who have passed away, and we miss, but it's thanks in part to our career choice, photography, their memories stay so much alive. I can't think of a better time than this morning to let yourself go with whatever emotions pop up while taking a stroll down Memory Lane. 
 
Today's post is as much about what I feel as it is about you. When you've got those moments where a flashback catapults you into the past, just go with it. Most of us put those feelings in a box and put them away, embarrassed by the potential moment and possibly losing control. But, whether you're lucky enough to have a partner as I do, or you're hunkered down by yourself, enjoy the moment. Recognize the pain you're feeling is a good thing and deserves to be savored and appreciated.

And to Mom and Dad, who I know are together, in a place of peace and watching over us - I miss you guys - Thank you for continuing to always be by my side and in my heart. 

Whether you're celebrating Easter or Passover, make it a day filled with love, peace, and thoughts about the people in your life who keep your heart beating and a smile on your face! COVID-19 has made this a very different holiday for everybody. But the beauty and richness of the day are in all those photographs you've captured. Don't forget to tell those people you care most about, wherever they are, what you're feeling.

​Happy Sunday, everybody!