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| My sibs and me in 1984 or 1985, Hurricane Lake, FL |
I have good relationships with my brother and sister today. We always did, and we are close. But this photo is poignant to me because it reminds me that there was a real, vital time when we all lived together and were growing up together. When I think about us today, I think about our adult relationships, especially with Dave, who was just seven when I went off to college. We are all busy and noisy and verbal when we get together these days. We have finished talking about being children together. There are tons of things to say to each other that have to do with our far-flung adult lives, lots of things we're engaged in, and just catching up on current events takes all our time. But in this picture, we are here together in our first family. It is moving to me. I can see in it that we are our integral selves, the same people we are now, that childhood isn't a waiting room for adulthood. We were David, Amy, and Becky then, if you get what I mean.
I showed this picture to Hank and he recognized me right away. But then he said, "I don't remember this time!" He assumed the little boy in the picture was him, because it does look so dang much like him. It kind of blew his mind. And I never realized how much Amy there is in Laura.
Dad, here is your blog post. He texted me this morning to complain that I hadn't posted late last night as has been my habit in August. I said that I was tired and that nobody was really interested in reading me on the weekend anyway. He replied that perhaps I ought to go out into the garden and eat a worm. See how he is the wind beneath my wings?
I do hope you are having a lovely Saturday.
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17 comments:
Someone told me this a few months ago about my own daughter & I thought he was just trying to be a flattering scoundrel but now I say to you that Laura has inherited yr carriage, your ease.
I missed yr post, too. As we had gossipped recently, I knew all was well, so, yk. xx
Mom, David and I have concluded that this is the summer of 86. Just before Dave was 4 in September. When mom showed me this pic on Flicker, I immediately recognized you, but I tried to make David and Amy into Hank and Laura. I had the same dislocation that I had when Amy surprised us at Thanksgiving. Weird.
I see this picture and poignant memories flood my mind. You were all such lovely and loving children. We had a rich life with all three of you in the house. Rich and wonderful. Of course, we still have a rich and sweet life with you three, three spouses, and six grandchildren. Blessings upon blessings. I'm glad this picture was saved because I see it and travel back to that very late summer day under those tall pine trees. And I smile.
Look at those legs! They seem to go on for miles.
I was amazed by how much your brother looks like Hank. No wonder he was trying to figure it out.
I always enjoy the weekend posts. And I especially enjoyed seeing young Amy. Her expression is so "Amy". Love that girl. The rest of you are pretty delightful too.
I'm so glad you found this photo! I remember these camping trips--and I have the painting Mom did of the lake hanging in my kitchen.
You expressed the feelings I have too when I see this, but I couldn't articulate it half as well. I guess that's why you're Becky, PhD. ;)
I miss those times when we all lived under one roof. It's good to remember too, that our kids are essentially the people they will grow up to be already. Surreal to think about!
The likeness of Hank and your brother is truly remarkable! I love what you wrote about siblings, about the time growing up. I grew up the oldest of three sisters, and my youngest was only seven, too, when I went off to college --
Well,I am just sitting here blubbering! I want a copy of that picture for Christmas!
I liked the photo just on its own merit (and for wondering how the hecks Hank got in it!), but what you have written here is remarkable. To capture something so intangible in words, and to do it so well - you gave me the SHIVERS!
I totally did think that was you with Hank and Laura before I clicked through!
And I also thought "WHAT has Becky done to her hair?".
Wow, just from the few photos I've seen on your blog - that looks exactly like you and your kids!
Upon first glance, I took this to be a photo of you and your kids. After reading the post and taking another look, I noted that your hairstyle screams mid-1980s. I well remember that coiffure since most coeds sported it during my earliest teaching years. You wore it well!
PS Were you heavily recruited to play volleyball?
When I first glanced at that picture on FB I thought it was you, Hank, and Laura.
I totally stopped by on Saturday and was sad there was no post. This is great, so sweet. And don't eat a worm...that's gross.
I love this picture and remember so many similar times from the past. Our families were so fortunate to grow up near each other. You three Odom youngins' were like our own. We love you all dearly, and are so proud of the awesome people you are and your beautiful families.
You know, I knew this picture was old the second I saw your hair, but I thought the same thing about Amy for a second, that she was Laura, and then I had to shake myself because no way you had 80s hair when she was born. But still, yes, so much Amy in Laura, and so much Dave in Hank. That's nice. You should frame copies of this for both of your sibs.
At first I thought it was you with Laura and Hank. Amazing likeness. By the way, I love reading your daily posts. Even on weekends. Keep writing.
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