Every photo has a story. Each of our stories has our individual perspectives. Take this photo of my 92 yr. old grandma. Her joy is evident as she proudly poses in front of her nearly perfect wii bowling score.
It was at Christmas brunch that my grandma told me about her bowling score and that her photo had been taken. I asked her to send me a copy and a couple weeks later this photo appeared via first class mail. I was thrilled to have my own copy and my kids were very impressed too. They both commented on how she has strikes in every frame until frame ten, then ‘she choked’ they said. “Even at 92 you can crack under pressure”. That was their interpretation – their story – when they looked at the photo. My story is much different. My grandma has loved bowling since I can remember. She had her own bowling ball, shoes, bag and whatever other accessories bowlers own. She never bowled professionally but was a consistent high scorer and bowled with many local teams. I think she retired from traditional bowling in her mid-70’s, but quickly embraced the virtual game of bowling when she decided to move to a retirement community.
I am so blessed to have such a healthy, alert, loving grandma in my life. My children have a great-grandma and they realize this is pretty special – they do not necessarily know how to express that (being teenagers) but I share with them what I know about my grandma and grandpa (who passed away many years ago) so that they have some of that history to pass on to their children.
Think about your heritage, the stories, and the memories and take the time to share them with your children. Make time to share a story about your parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins. If you have a photo reference it, if you don’t do not let that stop you from sharing. The stories we share about our families will be a valuable part of our children’s heritage.
Oh, and by the way my grandma also rocks at pool – the real pool not the wii version.
Stacy Cochrane says
A great reminder that it’s important to share the stories of our families even if we don’t have photos for each memory.
Megan McCourt says
My grandmother is also a top-scorer at Wii bowling in her senior living community. This post reminded me of her and made me want to get down there some time to take a proud pic of her in front of her high score! : )
Michelle says
What a great story! I think its so important for us to record our stories…these stories are a window into the lives of our loved ones and having them will allow future generations to look back and get a glimpse of we were like, and what our lives were like!
Philip Griffith says
I love how your kids have their interpretation of the photo and you have a slightly different one knowing more of the history. Capturing those stories and what is really behind the photos is so important for future generations. I “remember” my great grandfather more from the home movies of him than any real knowledge of him. I love seeing him hold me as a toddler. I need to ask my parents more about what was going on.
Nicole Nenninger says
What an inspiring story! My grandmother is still alive at 90 and recently bought her own home–her first (my grandfather who passed away 8 years ago bought them in the past). My father-in-law is 83 next month and did his first 5k with us last year, plays football every Sunday with my husband and a group of guys, and plays tennis 3 days a week. I have some awesome role models in my life!
Rita says
Wow – that is amazing – you are blessed indeed. Be sure to capture all their great stories – use their printed photos as prompts and then make some photo books you will want to document all their amazing accomplishments. Thank you for stopping by.
Mo at Mocadeaux says
Your grandma is awesome! What a great thing for your children to have their great-grandma as such a wonderful role model! Happy SITS Day!
Keia Lee says
I cannot tell you how right you are about sharing your families stories and heritage with your kids. My little girl is only 2 but I had to tell her about her Great Grandpa that passed away the other night. she didn’t understand me but it felt really good telling her anyways.
Thank you for sharing 😀
Keia
Happy SITS Day!
Chelsea Moos says
I’ve been beaten at Wii Bowling by my grandmother countless times! No shame in that! Now all I need to do is take a picture.
Rita says
Yes – the photos portion was priceless. My grandma was so proud of her accomplishment she was sharing with all her children and grandchildren. Thanks for stopping by.
misssrobin says
What a great photo! That’s a pretty sweet score. You are blessed to still have your grandma with you. I sure do miss mine.
Tiffany says
This is an awesome way for your grandmother to stay active and the photo was a memory captured forever that could be shared anytime. Priceless.
Kristen says
Love that picture! You can definitely see the happiness in her face. I’m a terrible real life bowler, but I play a pretty mean game of Wii bowling. Happy SITS Day!
Rita says
Thank you for your comment – and stopping by. I am loving my SITS day!
Ugochi says
Photo memories are powerful, they help us keep family memories to generations. Congratulations on being featured on SITS, enjoy your day!
Karma says
This post shows me how important it is that we have that sense of accomplishment in our life…period! Wonderfully put!
xoxo
LyndaS says
Your grandma looks incredible and not a day over 65!
Kim says
What a great story of your grandma and neat story!!!
I was blessed with incredible grandparents (my grandma passed away a couple years ago but my grandpa is 98). My boys had 4 great grandmas at 1 point (none now) – pretty phenomenal!!
Happy SITS Day!
Savvy Working Gal says
This is such a wonderful story and one for the keepsake album. Your Grandma sounds terrific thanks for sharing.
Melanie Davis says
What a fun story and memory of your grandma!
Happy SITS Day!
Melanie@getahoot.com
Rita says
Thank you for visiting and reading about my grandma!
Bev @ Linkouture says
Wow that is really incredible! Your children are so lucky to get to know their great-grandmother. I remember both of my great-grandmothers from when I was little, and I love hearing stories about them and other family members from my mother and her childhood. I hope to do the same with my (future) children. Happy belated SITS day!
Rita says
Thank you for stopping by from SITS. Yes, my children are very lucky and I too am thankful to have such a healthy grandparent in my life. My mom is 73 and still plays tennis and hikes daily so I am hopping I too will have that energy and enthusiasm when I am that age.