Tuesday, July 26, 2011

A Look into Her Eyes

Alberta J. Bogen, my Grandma
Time.  Goodness knows how time plays its game, yet as people ride the carousel of life, time remains steady.  I looked at this picture, last Monday.

My grandma, holding her first child, stands full of poise and style.  Her beautiful curls fall forward as she turns to smile for the camera.  Her hands, still young and strong hold her precious girl close.  When I look into her eyes, I feel as though I could imagine exactly her thoughts.  The thoughts of a new mother, excited, enthralled, trying to hold onto that very moment.

Pictures without captions, leave out the details for your mind to fill in.  I draw the picture closer.  The sun shines near the end of the day, casting a long shadow across the lawn.  In the background, the daily wash hangs neatly on the line. Perhaps a little stroll, after a day of caring for her precious girl.  Or a visit to a nearby neighbor, breathe some fresh air and get out of the house.

I can see her delight.  Her pride.  Her love.  I use my memory to piece together the details of her as a grandmother.  Yet, time does not allow me to stand face-to-face with this version of her.  What a gift that would be to jump back through time like a hero in Hollywood!  I'd love to look into her eyes, and sit for a chat about being a new mom and her dreams for the future.  I'd love to compare her stature to my own...to really see if I look like her.  I can only stare into this picture, mesmerized by her happiness, fill in my own story, and wonder....  Why didn't I ask her when I could?

9 comments:

  1. This is a special piece of writing, Michelle. I've been doing some of my own reflections of older relatives, & hadn't thought to imagine what might happen because of the time in the photo (third paragraph). I liked that part especially, & the imagining what could happen if we could go back in time, to talk, eye to eye!

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  2. I like this too--I also have the same regrets that I didn't ask my grandparents the questions I have now when they were still around. But we all have done something wonderful with out blogs and that is our grandchildren will be able to go back and find some answers!

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  3. Yeah, I think of that, too. What would it be like to know them at the age I am or was? What were they like as "people"? How scared was my grandmother leaving by ship from Newfoundland, coming to America with her first child? So many questions...

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  4. Beautiful reflection! I also posted about my grandma today, so I was especially touched by your words. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. This is a beautiful picture accompanied with a beautiful piece of writing.

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  6. What wonderful words you chose to talk about your grandmother, Michelle. My grandma died in August 4 years ago...just after turning 99. I miss her almost every day. You inspired me to try writing about her. Maybe I'm ready.

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  7. What a beautiful piece. The words "her hands, still young and strong . . ." remind me of what a wonderful thing it is to have photographs to bring us back in time as even our memories of times when we were there fade over time. And, I must admit that your sentiments in this piece made me think about the photographs I've seen of my own grandmother as a young mom. Thanks for such powerful and lovely words.

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  8. Lovely writing. I can sense your longing to know your grandmother better.

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  9. I think that you just wrote the perfect caption for your picture. I love how you described the joy and eagerness in your Grandmother's face. Such a special moment captured.

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