Thursday January 26 2017  MEMORIES

THE HEART OF A FAMILY

Kathleen Martens

January 26 2017

www.visionsofpoetry.com

Never have I seen such beautiful images,

Smiling faces looking back at me.

Shelf after shelf framed with patience

Posed for the world to see.

Walls of history telling a story

Of family, life, and love.

Born of seed with a purpose

Designed by God above.

Mothers and daughters, generations born.

Father and sons, lived and died,

Sit on shelves celebrating existence,

And in hearts they still abide.

“The cobbler’s children have no shoes.”  “The photographer’s children have no portraits.”

One old saying, one new saying (mine).  Only after seeing all the dozens of framed smiling faces hanging on walls, sitting on shelves, and posted in albums of the places I have stayed on this trip did I realize the lack of same in my own house.  It’s not that I lack pictures. I actually have a few thousand prints; all stacked away in boxes, drawers and closets.  I have simply not had the time, or taken the, time to work on framing the pictures of my own precious children and grandchildren, thus the photographer’s children have no portraits.  That will change.  My heart was warmed by all the old and faded portraits, as well as the new and vivid prints.  Few and fewer of today’s generation have the good old fashioned, hands-on photographic prints.  Lots of cell phone peeks but nothing to brighten the walls, shelves, or in creative albums.

I have decided that will change that before I am dead.  I need some time to reflect on those past smiles of grandparents, parents as well as our own little kids, our grown version of our kids, and now our son’s sons.  Even reminders of our yesteryears need to be present as a pleasant reminder of our youth.  The homes I have stayed in or visited have all had dozens of portraits and snapshots on display.  It’s as if their walls celebrate the story of their lives.  Well, I decided I would like to do the same. 

Thank You God for my family.

Thank You God for opening my eyes to the beauty of celebrating each life with portrait memories.

Thank You for Your continued protection on our trip.

GOOD NIGHT.  REMEMBER TO CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY!

Most of all, celebrate that you are a child of God.