Photographs

I have a photo album which I update every so many years. There are
so many photos and memories within my book that I treasure it more that
anything else in this whole wide world. It's part of me, my past and in
some ways the future.
If you were to open my album the first people you would see would be
my parents. It's their wedding day on the 10th of March 1973. Mum looks
so beautiful and Dad is handsome - he has hair and no moustache! This
is not my memory however it is part of me because if they never
married, then I wouldn't be here.
Following pages have baby photos of me and my brother. Little cute
ones that show tenderness between siblings that over the years have
been tried and tested, and at last come to a peaceful end (or has
it?)
Photos of the old house and old friends whom we grew up with. I
remember the adventures we had. We played A-Team; bursting out of our
houses once the programme had finished and immitating as loud as
possible, the theme tune. Those were the days when there were no
worries except finishing our homework so that we could go out and play.
A part of me wishes I could turn back the clock and live those days
again.
Pictures of me growing up - never wearing the pretty dresses mum
bought me. I was a complete Tom boy and would rather play rough games
than sit at home with my Barbie dolls. Much to my mother's
disappointment.
School photos where my brother and I would strain to smile, hating
being sat next to each other. I longed for the day he would go to the
'big school' and leave me alone.
Weddings, holidays, school trips and other family members. They are
all inside my album. Some would cringe if they could see themselves in
there but it's my book and only shared when either intoxicated or
bored.
My pets, my babies that were so precious to me as a growing young
person are all in there too. Our dog Sam who sadly got shot, Sooty the
cat who still lives with mum &; dad, Buster the German Shepherd who
is gone too, the hamsters, goldfish and any other living mammal that I
had owned again much to my mother's disappointment. She was never keen
on pets and still to this day would prefer not to have them.
As I grew into adolescence many of my friends suddenly appear in the
album. Looking back at our fashion senses and the friendships formed is
very special. Some may no longer be friends but they will always be
part of my life.
A special photograph with a group of us mucking around. It isn't in
focus but you can make out who is there and one person in particular
who is no longer with us stands in the middle joking around. I will
always keep that one close to my heart.
Graduation photos, engagement parties and christenings suddenly
appear. Lots more events happening in pubs and clubs. Another friend
who is gone, is there and reminds me of good times where shared.
Friends having children and sending me photos. Little sweet and
innocent babies starting off where my album began all those years ago.
They are all so precious and have their adventures to live.
Christmases, Halloween, Birthdays and more holiday snaps. They are all
in there. The last entry being September when my favourite aunt turned
40. Having a party to celebrate the event.
My album grows with me. When special things happen there's always room
for more. One day I will have my wedding, my children and my big
birthdays in there but that's my future and an other story.