In our youth, we had virtually no family photos on display. Zero. ..my sister and I were forbidden from rifling through our family photos and didn’t have direct access to any childhood mementos instead we would store our own personal keepsakes. Other family photos were kept in boxes and placed away from view. However, we would gladly risk punishment on occasion to just remove a photo or two here and there for show and tell or rare occasion she allowed it sometimes for class project requirements. Nonetheless, family photos have always been such a significant source of joy and pride for us.

Proudly sharing them with others really has only been made possible now.

In August 2020, during renovations, I began organizing Mom’s office and found bins labeled baby books and photos in four cardboard boxes. I proceeded to gather and organize other areas and discovered even more priceless heirlooms. It was as if my ancestors were directing me, lovingly leading me with an urgency I could not ignore, guiding me over time to the contents through a vigorous search. I am still being told. I am being requested and compelled to organize and inventory the original letters and official documents. Next course of action is digitizing and storing still photography and appraising art. But for preservation, protecting and maintaining the collection is paramount. I know I must honor the thoughtfulness, foresight, and perseverance that Mom displayed while showing incredible diligence to the family heritage through the active protection and preservation of some of our family’s cherished and treasured goods.