Magic of the Moment

My grandma was, and still is, a strong-willed woman and the family matriarch.  She’s cranky and crotchety at times, and at 90 years of age, she’s entitled as far as I’m concerned.  I have so many memories of her that fill my mind. It’s hard for me to see her age and I constantly wonder, will this be my last Christmas with her? 

My 9 yr. old and 13 yr. old boys are her pride and joy.  When I’m with her, she tells me that she’s tired.  I’ve lived a long life.  I’m ready to go, she says.  But then get my boys around her and she perks right up. I think they’re what keep her going and that’s a good thing.  I’m not ready to let her go, not yet.

When it came time for my Christmas card photo, I definitely wanted to use her in the photo.  When I was trying to figure out what would be the best way to position her hands and the ornament, my 9 yr. old came to the rescue. Mama, I know how I want the picture to be.  I’ll put the ornament in her hands and help her hold it with my hands.  So he took the ornament and gently placed it in her hands and then just as gently, placed his hands with hers.  The lump in my throat was huge.  It was truly a magical moment, one that I will cherish forever.  

Please share with us the magical moments of your life.  We’d love to see them.

Story and Photograph shared by the newest regular contributor here at Shutter Sisters, the wonderful Chris Sneddon (aka JeroldsSis) of Everyday Heartbeats. We're so glad she's here.

Comments

[Renée]

Oh my... what a beautiful picture/story! What a treasure! So moving - tears rolling down my face here :-)

[Simon Lawrence]

A beautiful story and excellent photograph. It capatures the belief of Christmas and all it stands for from one generation to another. Well done.

Si

[Katrina Kennedy]

what a special special moment

[Kathleen]

The tree this year...our third one together and the best one yet.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/4164823868/

[camerashymomma ~ meredith winn]

welcome chris!! it's exciting to have you here. and what a beautiful story.

[bekkah]

an emotionally-rich image...truly wonderful.

[Puna]

What a beautiful story.

[ashley]

Wow, that made me tear up...my 93 year old grandmother passed away this year, and your grandma sounds so much like her! And I agree, they have every right to be a little cranky at that age : ) Love, love, love that photo, and the story...

[melissa]

beautiful.

[Kizz]

This is from Christmas 2007, my best friend and our pseudo-Grandmother, Auntie Blanche. Auntie Blanche was 97 at the time and she died the following September 5th. This year I made this photo my holiday card.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31403417@N00/2287272606/in/set-72157603969919514/

[Linda Steider]

Very moving Chris, thank you!

[jakki]

Beautiflu image...now that I know the story behind it...even moreso....

[Kellee]

This totally brought tears to my eyes, losing my grandmother is one of my worst fears. What a PHENOMENAL picture. And I think it just goes to show the natural eyes of children, to spot something to so perfect and unforced.

[Lisa]

ohhh, this is so precious. it warms my heart to see this photo and hear this story. lovely!

[Karen]

What a wonderful story and beautiful photograph! It is a treasure, for sure.

[Alicia]

omgosh. i just busted into tears. that's exactly how i feel about my grandma. i always wonder if this is the last birthday, thanksgiving, christmas, day i will have her. there are so many memories with her and i don't know what i'll do the day the lord takes her.

[amanda]

love this. reminds me i need to get some pics of my kids with my grandparents while we're visiting this christmas.

[jenny]

Absolutely timeless. THanks for sharing!

[claudia]

love the story behind this beautiful shot.
my dad used to help me untangle the lights every year, this year my youngest decided to "help", this shot was a spur of the moment capture as he held them. new memories always being made.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurohunt/4146076748/

[spread your wings]

that gives me a lump in my throat. what a beautiful story and photo. thanks for sharing.

[Sue Henry]

Touching story; beautiful image. Thank you for sharing.

[melody]

Chris, this is a soul grabber. Beautiful image on all levels.

And congratulations on being a regular contributor...so well-deserved. ox

[Kristal]

What a beautiful image. Brought tears to my eyes to read what your son said. Last year, I took a picture of my grandma's hands and she she doesn't understand why I think her hands are so beautiful. "I have age spots and wrinkles," she says. Those hands have loved me and my family so well. Thank you for sharing your beautiful picture and heart-felt thoughts. :)

[~ kristina ~]

Enjoy your precious grandma!

We had a very magical day in Houston last week -

http://meadowlarkdays.blogspot.com/2009/12/magical-surprises.html