Picture The Heart

“The worst part of holding the memories is not the pain. It’s the loneliness of it. Memories need to be shared.”

– The Giver by Lois Lowry

My heart beats with the past, the present, and the future. What has been, what is, and what is yet to be! The memories are treasures I pull out and wonder over. The present is full of moments I gently tuck away for tomorrow. The future – well, that’s tomorrow.

As I’ve been going through some old photographs – actual photographs – that ages me… I can recall the moment many of them were snapped. I can still feel the emotions and hear the voices. I settle in for the washing over of the flood of feelings that come with each one. Where. Did. Time. Go. Again, that ages me. Younger people don’t say that (yet)!

As I began project ” let’s digitize the gazillion paper prints,” I wasn’t counting on the full on experience of “being there” again. It’s equally heartbreaking and amazing. I’m thankful, yet overwhelmed. I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. I’ve sat and stared at my little heartbeats, who are so grown up now. Time really does fly. Take note!

My mother is getting weaker by the day, and I know one thing that makes her happy is her memories of my brother and me as little children. She loves looking at photographs, although, like most moms, they are already etched on her heart.

She loves to hear me reminisce about my childhood. She also likes to remind me of all the goofy things I did. 😉

My grown children aren’t quite to the point where they realize the treasure trove in my cabinets, hidden away in these albums. One day they will, though. Sooner than they realize.

It has been hard for me not to chunk every picture of myself. I didn’t though (mostly). I know that there will come a day when they will look at them and remember when I was that young (and thin)! I hope they can feel all the feels then. I pray they will remember the love, laughter, and silliness. I pray they won’t linger on the mistakes I made, but will extend grace and mercy for each and every one. I hope love is the theme of their heart memories.

Do you have paper photographs that you need to digitize? Technology is crazy full of ways to do it. Here are a few apps. that might be helpful.

Pic Scanner –

Shoebox –

Heirloom –

Check them out on the App store and see if they might work for you.

“Photographs are a living breathing archive.

They illustrate our stories and help us

Remember to remember.”

Ravel LaCour Neisen

 Yep! I had to edit this post because I realized I had two pictures of Courtney and none of Alexandra!

This is exactly my point! Take care of your pictures before you get all confused!