The things they left behind

I never had the pleasure of meeting my in-laws because they both passed away before Greg and I met. I only know them through the things they left behind: old receipts for the sugar and flour they bought to feed their family, handwritten cards and letters from family members sending their love on birthdays and Christmas, furniture that used to belong in their home, which we’ve been using for the past 9 years, (like the huge desk I’m using to write this blog post on). Then, there’s a painting of the family cat lying on a braided rug, painted by my mother-in-law. It hangs in our living room over the tv. There are Super 8 movies of family vacations in Florida, and photographs. Lots of photographs.

Last weekend, Greg was going through a huge box of their old photos. He invited me to take whatever I wanted. I’ve scanned some for Photoblog Sunday, so I can share them with you.   

My mother-in-law had the same eye for photography as I do. I have taken many photos of clotheslines. Whenever I see one, it reminds me of my grandmother and mother, who always hung laundry out to dry. I wonder if this clothesline reminded Mrs. Wood of someone, and that’s why she snapped this picture? 

I just LOVE this photo of the seagulls, and how one is slightly out of the frame. It was a split second of life that I’m so glad was captured. All these years later, here I am, admiring it. It’s one of my favorites. 

 This photo reminds me of Kansas. 

I think you can learn a lot about a person from looking at their photographs. Each photo tells a story, and although I never met the Wood’s in person, I feel like I know them. It’s an honor to share a little glimpse into their lives here on my blog today.