Sunday, September 5, 2010

I was there

I don't like having my picture taken. Add to that that I am usually the one behind the camera and if someone needs a picture of me, they're in trouble.

But...I don't want to be forgotten as the generations press on. I want my children, my grandchildren, and posterity through the ages to know that I was here, that I loved, and that my family enjoyed each other. That I took on the challenge of heeding prophets' counsel as a mother. The Family Proclamation tells us that, "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." Selfish as it may be, I want my posterity to know that I was here and that I nurtured my children. I'm know there are ways to know that besides seeing pictures. Pictures seem to make it more real, though.

Thankfully, there are some pictures with me. My favorite though, are the ones where I am slightly obscured, but you can still tell I'm there. Photographic evidence that I am a mother.

That I tried to bring organization to chaos:)

That I taught.

That I supported.

That I protected.

That I loved it. Alright, so they may just have to trust me that I loved it;)

But it's the truth.

I know.

I was there!

7 comments:

Montserrat said...

I'm with you...I'm more comfortable behind the camera. But I've learned as my older children go through photo albums that they love and treasure the ones where I'm with them in the photo.

Thanks so much for participating today! I sure love seeing others apply the family proclamation to their family.

Jocelyn Christensen said...

I love the photos that you used to illustrate that you were there! I totally know what you mean! Pictures or not, you're doing a great work, and your influence will not be forgotten!

Dana said...

Nice Photo Essay! "By thier fruits we shall know them."

Thanks for sharing

Sea Star said...

I have many pictures just like those where it is my hand holding them up or the back of my head as I take care of something or someone. I am not photogenic so usually am alright with not being in many of the pictures but as you said you want them to know you were there and that you did those things. My husband does the same thing. He always wants to be in pictures with the kids so he can prove to them that he played ball, went on bike rides and read aloud to them.

JRoberts said...

This made me tear up. I know, I am sappy! But, I am usually behind the camera so this is something I am trying more of this year. So I echo an amen.

Anonymous said...

Wonderfully put!

I wanted to thank you for the lovely comment you left on my post over at Chocolate on my Cranium. It was very kind!

Serene is my name, not my life! said...

I agree. I use to hate being in pictures. Then I realized the same thing. I'm sure when my kids are older and have kids of their own, they'll want to show off what I looked like when they were kids. So I've been making an effort to be in more pictures.

And i just wanted to stop by and say thanks for commenting on my post about family planning yesterday. I whole-heartedly agree with what you said!