flashback friday

I was given a couple of terrific gifts this week. The first being an opportunity to reconnect with my dad’s side of the family at a birthday party for my cousin and aunt (my dad’s sister). I was able to re-establish a relationship with this side of my family at the baby shower last month and was thrilled to be included in the small family gathering this week. The party was at my dad’s mom’s (my Nana’s) house. It was so nice just to be there among people I haven’t really seen in so long. J, the boys and I filled up on lots of yummy food. It was such a nice evening.

Later on, after most everyone had gone home, I asked my grandmother if she had any of my childhood pictures that I could have. Sadly, I have precious few photos of myself from 0-18-years old. My parents divorced when I was four. My mom has been married and divorced three times in all. My life was always in turmoil growing up. We moved all the time. I went to 6 different elementary schools. Pictures from my childhood have been shuffled around, lost or stowed away somewhere. I have no clue where they are anymore.

Nana went into her bedroom and pulled out two albums full of pictures of me. I couldn’t believe it! She said that she had more pictures of me than any of her other grandkids and that I was welcome to take them all. Being her first and only grandchild for seven years will do that I suppose. I was shocked and delighted all at once. I told her that I would scan the photos I wanted and would return the originals to her. I certainly did not want to rob her of her photos. But what a treasure!

My Nana took care of me from babyhood through about second grade. Most of my fondest, carefree memories are of being with her at her house. She was kind and I felt so safe with her. So loved.

Here are a few of the photos that my uncle took of me. I was four-years-old and we were outside at my Nana’s house.