One time, I was helping a guy clean out an old storage barn. The lady who owned it passed away. It felt weird going through her belongings, but I always hold out hope that maybe she or someone in her family collected something valuable. I imagine flipping through the pages of an old book and a mint-condition Honus Wagner baseball card worth around $7 million dollars falls into my hands.
No such luck this time. But among the broken rakes, oil cans and a random pair of extremely used crutches, was a box of old photos. I love black and white pictures, so I sat down on a wooden milk crate and looked through them. The box was filled with memories—wedding photos, parties, vacations, cookouts and family gatherings. I asked the guy I was helping what I should do with them. His reply took me by surprise. “Trash,” he said. “Wait, what? No!” I protested. “These pictures are awesome. Somebody will want these!” He shook his head. “There’s nobody left in this family. Her husband is gone, and they never had children. There are no brothers or sisters. Throw them out.”
I was stunned and a little sad. It seemed wrong to toss somebody’s memories. But if there’s nobody left with a connection, then I guess the magic has expired.
I was reminded of that day when my wife and I went to a giant flea market in Nashville recently. There was a table of old photographs for sale for $2 each. I spent a few minutes looking through them. One by one, I examined every beautiful detail. I stared into their eyes. Like a scene from “Dead Poet’s Society,” I could almost hear them whispering, “Your time is now. Make your life extraordinary.”
It’s weird to think about (and a little morbid), but where will your wedding album end up? Your awkward middle school picture? That day at the beach, prom night or your selfie with Mickey Mouse? Will your face wind up on a table at a flea market for sale for $2?
When my in-laws were near the end of their lives, they took a European cruise. When they got home my wife said, “Mom, I can’t wait to see your pictures.” Mom replied. “I didn’t take any pictures. If you want to see Europe, you should go.”
Mom knew. Memories, like us, have a shelf life.
So, take all the pictures—the concerts and ballgames, the obligatory airplane wings and delectable desserts, the cute kids and precious pets. In the end, it doesn’t matter if your pictures stay in your phone, wind up in a box in a shed or for sale at a flea market. What matters is that you live your life being present in the moments. Seek adventure. Understand your time is now and realize that it’s a gift and a privilege.
(Whispering) “Time goes by fast. Make your life extraordinary.”
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