Photographic Memories

As my busy CPR season draws to a close, I have more free time to start those long term projects that I haven't been able to get off the ground.  First up is scanning, restoring, and publishing all my parents old photo albums.  This is going to be quite a long journey!   Here's a little background info just to put everything into context...1)A couple years ago I took a serious interest in photography.  I have purchased lots of equipment, taken classes, and am designated photographer at all family functions.  2)In recent months Jess and I have been pondering if/when we should start trying to have children.  3)Dad died about 4 months ago and I haven't really had a lot of time to come to terms with that.        I opened up the first album entitled "Dec 76 - Dec 77"  I don't remember ever looking at this album before.  It is filled with photo after photo (around 200) chronicling my first year.  As I skimmed through the pages and started to make notes on which ones to scan and which ones to color correct, etc.  I noticed that my father was not in any of the first 100 photos.  Why would my dad not be in any of these shots?  An then I realized the obvious...Dad is taking all of the photos.  I rapidly turned through the pages and finally I fund a picture of Dad and I.  It was at my great grandparents 50th anniversary banquet.  I started to tear up a little bit.  Wow, he was so young...25 years old...six years younger than I am now.  I continued to flip through the pages...only 2 more photos with me and Dad.  I am sure photos exist of Dad and I from that first year maybe grandparents, aunts, etc. have them somewhere, but I have no idea where they might be now.  I am a little sad about that.  I wish I had access to more photos of us.  I realized that it is important to occasionally step in-front-of the lens from time to time instead of always being behind it.  I wish I had learned that lesson a few months ago.  I took over 250 photos each at McKenzie's and Rory's first Birthdays and I don't think I am in any of them.   And then finally it hit me...I am looking at my first year through my Father's eyes.  I get to see what he saw...all the important events, my mom holding me for the first time, my first smile, my first tooth, my first steps, my first first football.  What a unique perspective!  Thankfully my camera has an automatic mode, so that Jess can take some pictures with me and our children during those important moments.  (NO, Mom and Rose, we are NOT pregnant or trying yet!)