Then and Now by olivetreeann

Then and Now

The year was 1981. My son Erick was two years old and I was the proud owner of my first (and only) 35 mm camera. Erick was my most prominent subject, but I was starting to see other things to photograph as well. One day I discovered his shoes neatly placed on the floor by the window and was struck by how artistically the laces were lying there. I grabbed my camera and preserved the memory forever. It's now 2011. My Erick has a son of his own. Last weekend as we visited, Becky placed Sam's shoes down on the tabletop as she carried Sam up to get ready for bed. The image threw me back in time, 30 years to be exact, and it seemed like history was repeating itself. Out came the camera (this time my digital point & shoot) for The Shoe Shot: The Next Generation.

Forgive me as I reminisce, but I must! Back then, Erick was a happy, independent, inquisitive explorer. He didn't like the vaccum cleaner, thought you could clean the fish tank by putting bubble soap in it, and loved helping me cook in the kitchen- especially when he got to lick the bowl! As a father, he is a strong, steady presence in his children's lives, loving them, holding them and making them laugh with his quirky sense of humor.

There is a part of you that never knows what your children will turn out to be. You do your best to guide them, correct them, encourage them, and ultimately to let them go be their own person. If you've held the right balance in letting go and holding on (because as a parent you never completely let go!), you are blessed with the privilege of seeing your child as a full-fledged person (an adult!!) in their own right. You wonder how it happened and marvel that it did- sometimes without your input altogether! And although you might miss the little blond bundle of energy that ran circles around your feet while you washed the dishes and made the bed, you burst with pride at the young man who hugs you before you leave and says, "Love you Mom!" when you climb into the car to drive away.
this is so sweet! love the then and now idea and your beautiful words... the words of a mother. So sweet and loving!
November 12th, 2011  
Love that b/w, I did some with my old 35mm of my boys now I need to find them. Great idea!
November 12th, 2011  
What beautiful photos and lovely commentary. Brings back memories for all of us, Ann. Enjoyed your composition and your words!
November 12th, 2011  
@annaruth Thank you Anna- I am definitely a MOM!
@httpgeffed Thank you Colleen- I'll look forward to seeing that. You've got some handsome boys!
@karenann Thanks Karenann- I was making myself all teary-eyed- good memories of the past; and a very good present!
November 12th, 2011  
Terrific shot, fab in black and white. ~ I'm anxious to know what my children will turn out like. ~
November 12th, 2011  
Very cute
November 12th, 2011  
i agree with you completely, and I love the photos
November 12th, 2011  
This is what I love doing....documenting my life, the life of loved ones... The photos are gorgeous and I know they mean so much to you! Because they remind you of your son and his son that you love from thebottom of your heart!
November 12th, 2011  
@sanera Thanks Samantha! My guess is that yours will also make you very proud as mine have made me.
@kerristephens Thank you Kerri!
@dmariewms Thank you Marie!
@espyetta Thanks MaryBeth- you have read me like a book! (o:
November 12th, 2011  
wow your words are remarkable beautiful - the 2 shots are incredible - beautiful - beautiful
November 12th, 2011  
Very nice
November 12th, 2011  
@adobewaters Thank you Adobe! You are very kind!
@bkbinthecity Thank you bkb!
November 12th, 2011  
Ann, this touched my heart. thank you for sharing.
November 12th, 2011  
@changingtides Thank you so very much Allie!
November 12th, 2011  
Oh yes, that brinbgs back many memories, and it is a wonderful feeling knowing your child has matured into an adult. Such a blessing!
November 12th, 2011  
@digitalrn Thank you Rick!
November 12th, 2011  
Amazing pair of shots, and the wonderful story behind them :)
November 12th, 2011  
Wonderful photo Ann.
November 12th, 2011  
lovely memories,Great capture
November 12th, 2011  
Great picture! Wow! And I love your story. It's nice to think back to where things started.
November 12th, 2011  
Lovely moving words and clever photo idea.
November 12th, 2011  
I'm FAVing this as much for a great shot as for the beautiful lovely sentiment!!
November 12th, 2011  
@alia_801 Thank you Alia!
@nicolecampbell Thank you Nicole!
@steeler Thank you Howard!
@mrssmith Thank you Carla!
@cimes1 Thank you Carole!
@twinsplusone Thank you sooo much Sharon!
Thanks to all- it is a collage filled with sentiment for me and I'm glad you all liked it!
November 12th, 2011  
Love the photographs, Ann, as well as your words. Well said!
November 12th, 2011  
@kloud Thanks Bonnie!
November 12th, 2011  
Very nice collage Ann!
November 13th, 2011  
Wonderful photos and nice, sentimental narrative.
November 13th, 2011  
Beautiful capture of those memories! I love how they look almost identical and your story about the adult still loving you as his mum brings tears in my eyes.
November 13th, 2011  
Anne, this is such a cool shot.
November 13th, 2011  
@daveanajao Thank you Dave!
@lisjam1 Thank you Lisabell!
@geertje Thank you so much Geertje!
@sarasdadandmom Thank you Terry!
Thank you everyone! I so appreciate the comments- especially on this one!
November 13th, 2011  
such a sweet story and shots!
November 15th, 2011  
@flydragon Thank you so much Flydragon. It's hard to believe how quickly the time goes. My younger son just turned 30 yesterday- wow!
November 15th, 2011  
Love it!
November 15th, 2011  
very well said, ann. these are precious memories captured for later reminiscing. great collage.
December 3rd, 2011  
@potsbypam Thank you very much Pam!
@summerfield Thank you so much Summerfield!
December 4th, 2011  
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