...wait until they are all you have left.

I've had the intention of writing this blog post since, well the day I launched my website. And I just haven't put the pen to paper - er, fingers to keys. Well today seems like a pretty good day for this topic. Facebook alerted me that today marks 177 years since the first photo was taken making today, World Photo Day.

Through photos we are able to document everyday moments, special occasions, new experiences, relationships, milestones; the list goes on. When you snap that photo, regardless if it's with a cell phone or fancy camera, you are preserving that moment that has immediately become a piece of the past.  You have a tangible piece of history.  Pretty awesome if you ask me.

I am so appreciative for photos and the memories and emotions they provide and preserve. 

This photo for example. 

I am almost overwhelmed when I look at it.  It happens to be a photo that I did not know was taken at the time and did not see it until after the other person in the photo with me, my Nunna, had passed away.

While gathering images for her celebration of life, I came across this photo and it stopped me in my tracks; and still continues to do so even today.

Just look at this moment. Look at the connection.  The emotion.  The comfort. The love.   How thankful I am for this. As you can tell, I could not see her face while in this moment.  It is because of this photograph that I am able to see the joy, peace and comfort of my Nunna's face.  It is because of this photo I know that if in a hospital, in pain and in the presence of her grandchildren, my Nunna could still find joy, peace and comfort, how much more joy, peace and comfort is she experiencing now, in Heaven, pain free and in the presence of Jesus. 

It is because of this photo I am able to hold on to that.

Remember in my last post I spoke about the importance of photos.   This right here is why.

Photos are not just for you.  Or sharing on social media.  Or for hanging on the walls of your home.  Or sending out on a Christmas greeting.  Although photos are wonderful for all of those reasons, please don't take for granted the bigger purpose they can serve, like healing, comfort, joy and memories.

Photos ARE important. Photos ARE valuable.  Photos ARE more than a "pretty picture." If you don't think so, wait until they are all you have left.

-Ashley T.