Making a Request

[NCgayguy]

Hi Folks!

If you guys don't mind, I would like to make a request. (sort of a PSA) My hope and request is that if you are not in the habit of taking photos of your loved ones or maybe making little videos of them, that you start. Make it become a habit as often as possible. Even just to record the mundane things that happen with your loved ones. Your husband, wife, kids, parents and everyone you love.

When someone encouraged me to record Tommy saying "I love you!", I didn't realize I had never done that. When I tried, Tommy said he didn't want me to play it and remember how sick he sounded because he was dying and his voice was so weak. He did a lot of things to make sure I remembered him as he use to be, healthy, loving, always smiling and happy. I wish you folks had known him. He truly was an incredible, humble and caring man!

So I am asking you guys to do this for YOU! Something that I regret never having done. Especially you folks in Photography Forum. You guys are great and should be doing it more than most, you guys are so talented! You will be so happy you did!

As I have a habit of repeating in different ways from time to time, "Hold a Presence with your loved ones every day that may become the blessing of a future memory!"

Just a reminder and request from my heart to yours!

Thank you, truly!

May You All Be Healthy, Safe and Happy.......AND LOVED!
Reis, Tommy's Proud and Loving Husband.

[Walleye]

1. So true when I was growing up, my father was always a photographer

I have pictures of myself from 75 years ago. Without those I would never have known how it was. And I love the pictures of my mom from the 40s. I’m so sorry about your loss.

[NCgayguy]

2. Walleye, Thank you!

[Fla Dem]

3. I'm sorry Tommy is no longer with you. But glad you did get one last photo of him. Peace.

[NCgayguy]

8. Thank you, Fla Dem!

[MLAA]

4. Thank you for the reminder! I will take your advice. I'm fortunate to hear I love you many times throughout the day

but I’ve never thought to video it. May your memories and photos of dear Tommy be a blessing to you. 🩷❤️🩷

[NCgayguy]

9. Thank You!

Dear MLAA, Please do make a video. You and your loved ones will be so happy you did! I'm so happy you still hear the "I LOVE YOU" every day! It will be the best memory you'll ever have!

[MLAA]

14. A recording will be a particularly wonderful thing since husband's short term memory is gone. 🩷

[JMCKUSICK]

5. You are so right NCgayguy

I don't have a single photo of my Pookie, the cat I had from 1988 to 2003. I have pictures in my head, thousands of them, but nary a physical one I can hold up and relive that exact moment with
I have plenty now of Cuddles, Petunia, Mufasa(Moofy Moo) and Snuggles thank God.
Thank you for such a important reminder.

[NCgayguy]

10. Take as many photos as you can!

Dear JMCKUSICK, We raised 3 furbabies. Tons of photos of them and some videos too. They were our kids. We raised them from pups. The memories of them bring smiles to my heart! Thank you!

[Marthe48]

6. Also step from behind the camera and let someone take your picture

I noticed that my cousin had hundreds of pictures of her kids, gatherings, events, but few pictures of herself. I asked why and she said she was always taking the pictures. I think after that conversation, she started getting more pictures of herself.

We had digital cameras for for several years. The grandkids learned to use them when they were under 5, and some of my favorite pictures of my husband or me are pictures the kids took.

I like viewing pictures that loved ones took when they were alive. I get to see their point of view, and enjoy thinking of them as an individual. I am also glad that so many of our friends and relatives took pictures of loved ones then, and now gone.

Thanks for posting, even as you mourn your loss.

[NCgayguy]

11. I am so glad you asked your cousin about it!

Dear Marthe48,

I think Tommy and I were like that, always behind the camera and not much in front of it.

I love seeing photos that folks share with me, especially if they are in the photo. Their life, travels, quiet moments and candid ones too!

Kids can sometimes be amazing at finding a perfect angle from their POV that brings out the kid in all of us!

Thank you!

[AllaN01Bear]

7. i love this .

u always see pics of the kids but no parental units driving the cam. this is a great idear. if u r single , ask if somone can take a pic. i was a volunteer tour guide at a train park and was asked that often. could u take a pic of us.

[NCgayguy]

12. Thank you!

Dear AllaN01Bear,

Have you ever wondered how many lives you are actually a part of just by doing that as a tour guide? You must be a part of so many memories that people have and you never even knew it! That's AMAZING! Just imagine, when they tell the story behind the photo it's:: "And this lovely tour guide offered to take this photo and it turned out to be the best one!" Think about that! What beautiful gifts you gave to so many!

Thank you!

[Figarosmom]

13. I already do

And I make sure I have their voice too.

[NCgayguy]

16. I love when folks....

are do diligent about that!

Dear Figarosmom,

Thank you! I am so happy you do this! It is a blessing that is never realized until needed!

Thank you again!
Reis

[OldBaldy1701E]

15. Sorry for your loss. I wish I had something more to say to a fellow Tar Heel. (n/t)

[NCgayguy]

17. Thank you my fellow Tar Heel!

Dear OldBaldy1701E,

That's very thoughtful of you and please accept my heartfelt gratitude!

My wish for you is to record photo and video of your loved ones as much as possible. And, don't forget to get in front of the camera too!

Thank you, again!
Reis

[OldBaldy1701E]

18. Well, I was a performer of stage, screen, and street for close to 43 years.

Some might say that there is more than enough of me already!