The older I get the more I forget. I have come to realize that my strongest memories are those I have photographs of.  I see the pictures in my head first and the memories radiate from there.

In the past week I have attended two funerals. Both individuals died way to soon. Both people had photographs at their memorial services so we could remember the good times, the smiles on their faces, the clothing and hair styles…

Yesterday my husband and I were doing one of my favorite things. We were wandering, with no real plan.  As we were wandering, for whatever reason, I thought of the first school I had ever attended.  I have a habit of visiting old haunts. I like driving by the homes I have lived in schools I have attended.  During my childhood I moved around a lot and I guess its a way of remembering. So I looked up Rigler Elementary School and it was only a mile away from where we were {Pips Donuts YUMMY} https://www.facebook.com/PipsOriginal/

As far as I know the last time I ever set foot in or near that school was my last day of 1st grade.  I attended the school for Kindergarten and 1st grade.  2 years of my life. I can tell you the name of every teacher I have ever had and friends from each class EXCEPT from those two years. This occurred to me many years ago. That I have no memories of those two school years. I have memories of home but absolutely nothing of school. Which is concerning because apparently you are supposed to learn all you need to know in Kindergarten!  😆 

So we popped by to check it out.  I recognized the front I’m sure because in an album somewhere is my Kindergarten class composite and the front of the school is included.  We walked up to the front and ZERO. I peeked through the doors to the main entrance. It looked dated, possibly hadn’t been updated since my little 5 year old self attended and still nothing. As we began to walk around the building someone called out to us asking if we had attended that school.

I looked over to him as his little dog ran up and asked to be petted. He looked a bit rough. Honestly I was glad Jeff was with me.  His hair was unkempt and shoulder length and he was missing most of his front teeth and his clothes weren’t “fresh”. But he had a friendly smile and looked me in the eye when he asked again if I had gone to school there. I replied I had and he asked when. Before I could answer he said he was 50… which means we would have been there the same time. Perhaps we sat beside each other in class or played on the playground together!! It kinda blew my mind, this chance encounter. He then asked are you “Judy” by chance? I would have died if he had asked if my name was “Shelly” simply because WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?!! He seemed disappointed I wasn’t “Judy” smiled and carried on with is pup.  

Jeff and I walked around to the playground. If there was any hope of recognition it would be there. I have always been about the outside and recess! But still not a whisper of a memory… 

What is my point?

First – I just thought it was an interesting story to share.  🙂 

Second – Photographs are important!

Now I’m not going to get so morbid as to say you need quality photos for you funeral…

I am going to say that pictures are the key to memories. They capture moments big and small. They can be all we have left of a place, loved one, or pet after they are gone. We love to show them to others and cherish them in our quite moments.

Take those pictures, have them taken, print them, look at them, cherish them! The power of a photograph is an amazing thing! I still don’t understand the science behind it. Just like I still can’t comprehend how on earth TV works. All the generations before the invention of the camera rely on drawing or nothing. There is no way to know what those ancestors looked like!

So there it is. My thoughts for the week! Take some pictures and don’t forget to be in those pictures as well! 

And if you went to Rigler Elementary school anytime between 1973 and 1975 I would love to hear from you!

Shelly