Monday, March 12, 2012

My Grandmother's camera...

One of the things I found after my parents died was my grandmother's old camera.  My mother had kept it for many years and I hadn't really noticed it much until she was gone too.  I, like her, kept it for sentimental reasons.  I have so many memories of my grandmother getting it out whenever we came or for special occasions.
It reminds me of the glimpses of time that you catch for a brief second and memories come flying back...good and some not always so good. Just like life.  Last week at work we celebrated the birth of one of our staff member's new grandchildren.  She was sooo thrilled and we were happy for her as we all took turns looking at her pictures.  And on the other hand we were sad with another staff member who was absent one day.  She stayed home with her best friend who had just found out the week before that she had terminal cancer and didn't want to die alone.  Such a short time to find out that your life will soon be over.
Lately it seems like so many things in life are beyond our control and it's how we deal with it that will matter in the end. Did we do it with dignity or finesse or class?  Today is a rainy day so it makes me introspective and reflective.  I hope someday that I can say that the life's moments captured in my camera ...and my life, were for the most part, the best ones I could take.

23 comments:

Marsha Young said...

Donna -
While you are introspective today, I am bumfusticated. :)

Here's to a better day tomorrow.
Blessings to you - Marsha

Rebecca said...

I believe my parents had a similar camera when I was a child - like 55-60 years ago!

Your reflections are wise and thoughtful, Donna.

Life is complex, isn't it?

Julia said...

Donna, that Brownie camera brought back some old memories of my little brownie Camera that I had ordered from the T. Eaton catalogue when I was just a kid. It was dirt cheap and less fancy than your grandma but it took great black and white pictures.

It's kind of nice to have someone making and keeping those great memories like you do with your family.

It's amazing how much strength we can get from our good friends when we are faced with the grim reality that the end is near. Friends and love ones are so important.

Big hugs for a great week. JB

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Donna Sweetie...
What a gorgeous share. Imagine what your beautiful Grandma captured each time she looked through the window of that priceless Brownie camera. I would say when you are missing her, pick up that camera and catch a memory straight from her heart to yours. I love that thought dear friend.

I did a little reading and found that you recently went to the Dominican Republic. You are absolutely beautiful and your smile just lit up the post. Thank you for sharing dear friend.

I hope you have a glorious week. Many hugs sweetie and so much love, Sherry

Kim said...

Ohhh, that is special. Its great that you still have it. Does your family have any of the pics she may have taken with it??

Witmer Family Reunion said...

Neat camera...I was wondering is all the film developed?

Donna said...

Film is all developed WFR.

Darlene said...

I have a couple of cameras just like your Grandma's. I hate to throw them away. I keep one hidden under some stuff in my closet. Maybe I'll bring it out and use it an accessory. They are certainly out of use these days.

I have been thinking a lot like you these days. I am trying so very hard to deal with some tough things that don't seem to change for me, like my dizziness, for example. I'm going on my ninth week now and I think maybe I'm just going to have to learn to deal with it forever. At least I am not going to complain about it anymore. I have decided that I'm just going to live the rest of my life to the best of my ability, and enjoy the process. It is so much better than the alternative and it only makes one feel worse when it seems to be all one can feel or talk about. I know it's not pleasant to be around someone like that, so I'm going to try hard to be someone that everyone likes to be around. It's that simple and I am sure I will enjoy my life a whole lot more too. Your words encouraged my in this direction because they are oh so true. Thanks my friend.

Cro Magnon said...

Yes, but just think how much your grandma, my grandma, and my mother even, would have loved digital. No film, take a picture, process, and send anywhere in the world, all within a few minutes. Wonderful.

Tom Stephenson said...

I think we all had a Brownie at some time. Do you remember having to wait before walking in front of a tourist in case you spoilt one valuable shot out of 24? Thank God for digital - now we can stride past the Japanese without having to duck.

lesa said...

That is such a cool camera. What a neat treasure. I understand about some of the memories being good and some not so good, but luckily we can try to make all good memories moving forward!!

Have a good day. :)

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

My dear sweet Donna thank you for taking the time to come by and leave me such a beautiful comment. Words don't seem enough thank you for friends like you.
As Rebecca said your reflections are wise and thoughtful and have me thinking of how I should be better at what I am going through. There is always others that are having so much more in their life.
I want you to know dear friend your in my prayers and even though I don't visit you like I want to I think of you often.
You can call or email me anytime
Love
Maggie

karen said...

I love the picture of the camera. I can remember my parents having one similar to that when I was very little. I'll have to ask whatever happened to it.
I haven't always handled life's problems with class and dignity. Sometimes fear takes over and you do very stupid things. As I get older I'm trying to be different. Think before I react. And have a little faith in my abilities.

Susan Anderson said...

Loved your post today, Donna. It made me think about how sad and beautiful life can be.

And that camera is a treasure.

=)

yaya said...

Your Grandkiddos will certainly remember all the times your camera was taking shots of them...you have a great treasure in that old Brownie. You handle your days with class my friend. I know this time of life is crazy for us both but we can endure together. Hang in there and keep taking pics!

Judi said...

Donna, I just love your stories. Looky... I am a blogger now, too. Had to join to be able to "talk" with you. My site is pitiful as yet (and I need spellcheck). ha ha

Molly said...

Donna, I think you've captured your family's life moments beautifully. What a treasure they'll be to look back on.

Rosaria Williams said...

Everyone will agree: you can't take too many pictures!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

My parents had a very simular camers 'till one day when I was visitin' my Grandmother in Albuquerque NM, I put my name in a shoe box at a drug store and said I was gonna win the camera for my daddy.

I did and it was the first Poloriod instant camera ever made. I still have it.

God bless ya and have yourself a beautiful day!!! :o)

Jennifer said...

Hi Donna! Love your header! We had a similar camera when I was a kid. I remember my mom or dad had their backs to the sun and we had to stare directly into the sun to get the right pic...just about blinded everytime! ha!
Do you know the song..Because He lives I can face tomorrow...? The foundation we have laid will be there when we face challenges.
He is the vine...Lots of love, Jen

acorn hollow said...

It is a good memory and really don't we take pictures only when we are happy?
Cathy

Kerri said...

I hope you have your grandma's camera sitting out on a shelf where you can see it often. Memories are so important aren't they....life is a gift everyday.

Katherines Corner said...

I appreciate this post my friend. My Father had a camera like that one too, it brought back memories. Hugs and happy wishes for a wonderful new week ahead..