Digital Diaries: Embracing the Past, One Photo at a Time

Digital Diaries: Embracing the Past, One Photo at a Time

I’ve been sharing old photos with my sons via text lately, usually one or two each day. Finally, my oldest asked, “Mom, are you okay?”? Jake was concerned I might be struggling emotionally, spending my time thumbing through family photos taken over the years.

After experiencing so much loss in the past couple of years, Jake was relieved when I explained that these pictures were simply popping up in my Facebook memories. No, I wasn't getting lost in the past every morning, spiraling down a rabbit hole of nostalgia.

In fact, I actually get excited when Facebook notifies me about memories! It’s like a small flutter of anticipation—what was I doing on this day last year? Or ten years ago? I feel grateful now for having been that mom—the one who documented everything from the starting line of a half marathon to the trailhead of Half Dome, or that sweet moment of Zack and his pup napping on the couch.

Over the years, a couple of friends have playfully teased me for always snapping so many pictures. But now, I’m not the only one thankful for those captured moments. In 2023, my husband Darren, their dear friend, passed away, and today we all treasure those memories—from trips to Hawaii, cruises across the Pacific, to simply watching Dodgers games on TV together.

Social media: Connector or divider?

Embracing Facebook came naturally to me, especially as someone who’s always been an open book (as you’ve probably realized from reading this column!). I’ve posted frequently over the years, even after Zack, in true teenage form, announced that he was leaving Facebook because, in his words, "you guys have taken it over." By "you guys," of course, he meant my generation—the older crowd.

Even young Zack recognized the value of social media in staying connected during some of life’s most significant moments. I remember vividly when his ACT test results came in online, and with them, the essay he wrote during the exam. The prompt was "privacy," and, to my surprise, Zack chose to focus on social media. (Speaking of privacy—poor Zack had no idea his mom would get a chance to read his essay!)

I settled in, expecting to read about his over-sharing mother and her social media habits. But to my surprise, Zack reflected on how our family navigated Nana’s terminal illness. He wrote about how sharing updates—the highs and lows—on social media actually helped us cope during that incredibly difficult time.

Mom had battled Multiple Myeloma for two years, and we found subtle ways to keep friends informed about something as personal as her doctor’s appointments. A good medical visit might be celebrated with a simple "check-in" at Baskin Robbins. Family and friends who understood would give us a “like,” signaling they knew it had been a good day. Over time, we became more open, chronicling Mom’s journey with pictures and posts that captured both the victories and the heartaches of facing an incurable illness.

In his essay, Zack wrote, “...my mother would post things on Facebook about my grandmother, and many friends she hadn’t spoken to in years would respond with support. That encouragement from hundreds of friends helped my grandmother stay in good spirits during those difficult times.”?

Part of me felt a small sense of vindication—Zack had come to realize that Facebook could actually be a powerful way for the people he cared about to stay connected. Can social media also be a platform for negativity and propaganda? Absolutely. But like any tool, its value depends on how we choose to use it.

Capturing moments now helps keep precious memories alive

Of course, social media isn’t the only way to capture and preserve memories. Simply scrolling through the photos on my phone brings a smile to my face, and there are plenty of apps designed to help keep those memories alive. My friend Art, for example, uses an app called One Second. Every time we gather as a group, he takes a short video—actually, he records a snippet of his life every single day using the app. At the end of the year, he combines these daily clips into a single video that tells the story of his entire year.

Memorializing special moments has become even more important to me, especially after saying goodbye to so many people I’ve loved. So, if I happen to send you a photo from a few years back, don’t be surprised—or worried. Chances are, it simply made me smile, and I want to share that little moment of joy with you, too.

Matthew Riley

Creator of Condorstown | Three-time League Executive of the Year

3 周

Love it!!!

回复

I enjoy the memories that pop up too...thank you for the reminder to take more photos.

Laura Lollar Wolfe

Legacy Giving Specialist

3 周

We are kindred spirits in this, Cheryl. Thanks for capturing it so well.

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