“Don’t take my picture, I’m not dressed for it.”

“I don’t like having my picture taken.”

“My hair doesn’t look good.”

“I don’t have makeup on.”

These were my excuses throughout the years for not wanting to be in a picture. One of my daughters said, “Mom, you look better now than you will in 20 years.” She was right.

I’m not one who feels comfortable in front of the camera. I’d rather see pictures of my children or grandchildren, but I have come to realize that every picture tells a story – a funny one, a serious one or just a treasured memory.

I could have never imagined what God’s plans were as my husband and I posed for our first picture as a married couple 40 years ago on our wedding day. I had no way of knowing what my future family pictures would look like, but I now realize as I look back at my photo albums that there is a family story behind each one.

As our photographer took our pictures, I did not know how much it would mean to me to have our parents standing with us. They were there throughout the years for every occasion. They were there for our children’s weddings, graduations, Baptisms, Confirmations, First Communions, birthday parties, concerts, performances, recitals, sports, and even the occasions that weren’t joyous, like sicknesses and surgeries. We were so blessed to have had their encouragement and support.

My photo albums are full of pictures of our children growing up, the milestones that they reached, bathtub pictures, eating spaghetti pictures, vacations, and pictures of lots of cuddles and blowing out the candles. We weren’t professional photographers, but we were parents who wanted a memory that would remind us of our family.

We are not able to get everyone together very often anymore, but we are grateful for the times that we can. Each person in this picture has a special place in our family and in our hearts. Each one adds to the interaction, storytelling, playfulness and memories of our times together.

There are many occupations represented by our family. There are mothers, fathers, teachers, a lawyer, nurse, web designer, manager, business analyst, marketer, graphic artists, builders, hairdresser, photographer, tailor, accountant, CPA, wedding planner, vocalists, pianists, and violinists. Only God knows what future occupations will be represented.

Along with all the unique qualities each person brings into our family, there is one thing that we all share. Our faith, our love of family and hard work. Those are the same qualities that were passed down to us from my parents and my husband’s parents.

We don’t always agree on every issue that is discussed but we are mature enough to allow one another to have different opinions and beliefs. We rejoice in one another’s successes and accomplishments and we become prayer warriors when one is facing hardship.

Our family picture next year will add at least two more grandchildren and another year full of memories and gratitude for God’s blessings. Our picture will capture a moment in time for our family – a story that will be treasured for many generations in the future.