Aug 27, 2009

Cherish
The other night I hopped on facebook as I normally do and came across this picture that my Aunt Gladys had posted. I looked at it and realized that it was a picture of my family in Timp. cave when we came to Utah on vacation.
I have always heard stories about that trip but I was too young to remember anything about it. I was only 18 months old. Anyway, as I looked more closely, I realized that I was the baby in the photo that my dad was holding. When I saw this I burst into tears.
You see my parents got a divorce when I was only 5 years old. Most of that time my parents were not getting along at all and so there aren't very many family photos when I was a baby.
We moved from Virginia to Utah shortly after my parents split up and I have had very little contact with my Dad. Sometimes it feels like I have NEVER had a Dad because I was too young to really remember him living with us.
Growing up without a dad in your life does some crazy stuff to your self worth, but as I look at this picture and see the loving way that he is holding me and protecting me. I can know that he really WAS a part of my life and that he really did LOVE me.
That is why I love this photograph so much.
It helps me SEE all of this.
I will always cherish this picture.
Thank you Aunt Gladys for posting it.
You will never know how much this picture means to me...thank you!
If you have been lucky enough to have a Dad in your life make sure that you let him know how much you cherish him.
SO much healing can be done, if we will have the courage, to let those around us know
how much they are LOVED.
left to right
not sure who the kid in the blue coat is???
Aunt Gladys
my brother kelly
my mom
my dad
and
me
the cute one in white

7 comments:

My Life as a Dog said...

Ahh sweet! I think I might be the unknown kid?

wild bri said...

Mena
Great story and message. I know I take my family for granted more than I should. What is Aunt Gladys wearing on her head?

Anonymous said...

Mena, my hair covering was net thing to keep my newly done paid for hair do

Emilee said...

Some pictures are truly priceless. I am happy you got to see this one. I would have to agree; you are a cute little baby. This is the first baby picture I have seen of you.

Cori said...

you kind of look the same as a baby as you do as an adult!
priceless photo!

ginacrotts.jamberrynails.net said...

I love this pic! Look at that smile on your dad's face. Thank you for sharing it. :)

ps I changed my comment settings so maybe now you can leave a comment on my blog. Try it out and let me know.

Keri Glazier said...

You are so wise. Your blog inspires me to be a better mom, friend, lover, and person. Thank you for inspiring me always. I love you and I'm so grateful that you have this photo of your dad. It's obvious that he loves you.
Thanks for bringing tears to my eyes and reminding me of all I have to be grateful for. Love, Keri