I've Missed My Family (Gallery Wall)

During this whole painting process, I've removed all my pictures and sorted through them, deciding which to keep, which to store, and which to donate to Goodwill.  The ones that will absolutely stay on the wall are the photos of our family.

I'm about halfway finished putting them up (and will finish when I have a bit more patience), but until I had them up, I didn't realize how much I missed them. I kinda like the bare wall over the staircase, but I like being surrounded by family better.

When I first started the wall upon moving in, it was David's family on one side, my family on the other, and us in the middle.  Emily's pictures were added in as well.  Now, since she's married, it's time to rethink the arrangement.  So I think I'm going to do it more chronologically.

The beginning of the Family Gallery Wall

Time seems to pass more quickly the older I get.  I look at the pictures and I get nostalgic.  I wish I had known my mom when she was young.  I wonder what it was like to have a brother who was an Air Force Ace Pilot in WWII.  I wonder what it was like to grow up in the early 1900's like my grandmother.

I hope that I will have left enough of me behind so that when I'm gone, people will know something about me and my family.  After all, family is all that matters.

The "before" - I love the clean look but I miss the pictures.

My mom (top left) and her four sisters.  This picture was taken to send to their brother in the service during WWII.

David's dad (top left) and his family circa WWII.  Proud member of the U.S. Coast Guard.

My parents on their wedding day

My brother (a lot of reflection!) - I always thought he looked a little like Tom Selleck!