Snapshots From Yesterday - by Meryl McKean

 

    In our digital age we don’t always keep photo albums, our memories live stored in clouds, occasionally revisited, but often submerged by newer fresher pictures. I do like the touch, feel and smell of an old photo album, a glimpse into the past with it’s trends and fashions so different from ours today. Yesterday I ventured into my mum’s loft and brought down some of her old photos and albums. We enjoyed looking through and talking about them.

    In a few days time mum will celebrate her 90^th birthday. We are gathering as family and friends to help her celebrate.  As a child we often see our parents differently from others, they are Mum and Dad and our interest and understanding of them as fellow human beings is at times limited.  

    There is a lot of living that has happened over 90 years. Mum is amazing to be living independently, driving her car around town and managing her online banking.  It’s incredible to think of the changes she has witnessed, the amount of things we take for granted that were unknown when she was growing up. A childhood that was spent moving around to escape the bombing near her London home, she missed out on many things including schooling. Constant though over the years has been her faith in God.

    We are now a family of 4 generations and I’d like my children and grandchildren to understand something of the life she lived, and the things that have shaped her amidst all the tremendous cultural shifts she has navigated. My plan is to provide some written snapshots that give a glimpse into parts of her life. To document the answers to questions which my children and grandchildren, even myself at times might not think to ask. We can be so preoccupied with the present that we forget to tap into past wisdom. I’ve started intentionally talking to my mum, making notes and I plan to collect a few voice notes too, which I can then write up and preserve as glimpses into her earlier life. It won’t be a life story, just some a word pictures.

    The bible talks about honouring our fathers and mothers, one of the ways we can do this is by showing interest in who they are as people, what they have been through and the experiences that have shaped them.  By actively listening and by allowing them to continue to shape us and those who follow on. We can then pause and gain fresh perspectives and an increased appreciation of those we love.

Bio
Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford where she loves exploring the countryside with her camera in hand. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.