Saturday
Mar202010
Leave a Legacy
March 20, 2010 * * * * * Posted by: Sue 
"I like this one, Granny Sue. I like the color." Jackson (age 5)
...spoken while sitting on my lap going through my photo book
...spoken while sitting on my lap going through my photo book
My grandchildren lost their other grandmother last week. She was a great cook, had a quick and easy smile and laugh, and loved her daughter, family and grandchildren very much.
The oldest grandchild, who is not yet six, will more than likely have memories stored to remember his Grandma. Sadly the other two grandchildren, ages 1 and 2 1/2, years from now will probably struggle to recall any personal memories of their Grandma. Their knowledge of Grandma will come from stories told by others.
For the past couple of years, I have self-published photo books. Often times the books are gifts for family and friends. Always in the back of my mind, however, is the thought that when I'm gone these photo books can be a keepsake for my grandchildren, a means of helping them remember me, and perhaps a way of helping them know a little more about me.
Photo books can be approached from many different directions. Some people use photo books to record family events, holidays, and memories, thus creating a scrapbook type of book. Other people use photo books to collect and record images from places visited or trips taken.
My photo books are almost always fairly simple; a collection of favorite images accompanied by a quote.
How will my grandchildren know more about me from a photo book of favorite images accompanied by a quote? I think they will know that I enjoy my walks in nature and that I cherish the beauty of the world masterfully created by a supreme being. I think they will know that I find beauty in simple things; color, lines, shapes, light, patterns etc. I hope they know that I am happy and at peace with life, that I value family and friends, and that I am extremely grateful for each new day as well as for the many blessings given me. Perhaps, as they get older, they will even like some of my images and find some of the quote selections thought provoking!
The process of creating a photo book has become extremely easy, and there are numerous choices for how and where to have a book published. I know that Vision and Verb is visited by many wonderfully talented and creative people. Please, if you have not already done so, I urge you to take the time to create a permanent means for sharing your visions and your verbs with your friends and family.
Leave a legacy.
"We can't all leave a prestigious background or lots of money to visit our children,
but we can leave them a legacy of love."
~Naomi Rhode
Reader Comments (16)
Your post has actually left tears in my eyes, Sue, because while I have not done this myself, my grown daughter has done this 3 times for me. Each time has been a total surprise. SHE has chosen the images that mean a lot to her. She has also made a stand-up calendar for the desk choosing 12 images for the 12 months. The thought that I could do this, too, as a legacy for THEM is a new thought. I clicked on your link and love what you have done with the book you showed. It's similar to what she did. But I also like the idea of having "control" and choosing what I like. Thanks for this inspirartion.
Your book is lovely. I took an account at blurb some time ago, but still haven't found the time to make a book. Now I want a book too ;-)
Oh Sue...this brought tears to my eyes. My father - also a photographer - died when my children were only 3, 2 and 4 months. None of them have any real memories of their grandfather...only the photographs he's left behind. I've started making 'art' books on blurb...and had never quite thought of it as leaving a 'legacy'. But what a wonderful way to remember.
Thank-you for this beautifully written post!!
Sue..well done and a tremendous tribute to the "other" grandma. :) I love your train of thought and it is an idea that is probably right in front of everyone's nose, but we never thought to "see" it until you decided to shine your creative light upon it.
Sorry to hear about the loss, Sue. Your words are heartfelt.
That's a beautiful image, a lovely book, and a wonderful idea, Sue. As Ken said, this is also a lovely tribute to the other grandmother. Although I don't have any grandchildren yet, with none on the horizon, I think this is an excellent way to let them (future grandchildren) have a peak at who I am. Excellent post, Sue.
sue . what a sad moment , grandmothers are such a treasure to the whole family and such a loss. Your way of leaving behind a bit of yourself is such a true and unique gift...it is wonderful to hear the responses of your your grand kids ...granny sue...
What a wonderful reminder of our responsibility to our loved ones. I will certainly make this a priority this year.
Your book is really beautiful. I enjoyed "flipping" through it. I have self published a little "How To Train Your Miniature Horse To Drive" book that I did all the photography and the writing and enjoyed it very much! I love your idea and am absolutely going to do this, this year. Such a simple and lovely idea :)
Sue ~ what if I simply say "thank you".
What a beautiful image to go with your inspiring words! I really enjoyed your book, made me want to make one too :)
The grandchildren will not only learn a bit about how you saw things, Sue, but your work will help them learn how to see.
I've only made one book and a few calendars so far. I never thought of doing them for myself. I have no children or grandchildren, but I could do it for me!
The photo in this post is exquisite.
I have been thinking of this since I became a grandmother myself. I would like to leave something to my grandchildren that tells them who I am/was. This is a perfect way to do it I think. And the picture of today is absolutely gorgeous Sue.
Our family lost a grandparent two weeks ago. I often think the same thought "what will be remembered of me (or some other person) after..." Great post, and you are so right, doing the books is a piece of cake now. Those of us making images should do this much more. Note to self: "take Sue's advice!"
hi sue, this is a wonderful idea, and very timely as i've just discovered blurb.com - a great place for photobooks. haven't yet made one, but am downloading the software as i type. gorgeous picture!!