This family photo was in the trash.

As the family story goes, the photographer was not happy with this photograph.  

He didn’t think it was very good. 

After many attempts in the dark room, he decided the image was out of focus and, besides, not everyone was looking at the camera and eyes were closed, so he tossed it in the trash.  My mother found the 8x10 print in the waste can and asked if she could have it. 

I’m so glad she did.

Of the five family members in this photograph, four have died. My brother Craig (on the far left) is the only one still living.  

I’m not in this photograph, nor is my brother David. This was taken in the early 1950’s when the family was just the five of them.  My brother David came less than a year after this photo was taken and I was a surprise seven years later.  

I have always loved looking at this picture. While I like all of the black and white photographs from our family album, this one reminds me that my family had a different life before I was born.  I look at this picture and wonder what was their life really like back then?

I have vague recollections of what jobs my dad had and that my mother went to nursing school but ultimately never worked outside the home. I see my resemblance in my mother’s face and wonder that even though we had a tumultuous relationship, if I’m not more like her than I care to admit? 

What I’m trying to say is, I wish I could still talk to all the people in this photograph.

I would ask my parents where they grew up, the first time they drove a car, or when they decided to get married.  

I would ask.   

But for now, I’m thankful I have this photograph.

I think it’s pretty good.

What family photograph does this make you think about?

I would love to hear the story.