Dear Photograph

Dear Photograph,
This photo was taken at my Great, Great Grandfather’s memorial site. That’s my Mother, my Brother and I. ‘Stand The Gaff’ reads on the tombstone. William Davis was his name, and he was considered a Canadian martyr. He stood up for coal miner’s rights when they were being treated like modern slaves. Today is the anniversary of his untimely death. It also marks the memorial day, 'Davis Day’ - a day in which people in mining communities across Cape Breton choose to not work in honour of his passing and what the miner’s had to go through. To this day, the second largest deployment of Canadian troops for an internal conflict stems from the strikes following his passing. Whenever I’m having a difficult time finding the courage to fight for what I believe in, I remember him. - Corey

Dear Photograph,
It seems like yesterday that my daughter Taylor was graduating from high school and this picture was taken. Today, 4 years later, Taylor continues to be on the right track and graduating from Northern Arizona University. -Mom

Dear Photograph,
This photo was taken at my parent’s house right before my very first prom. It’s so perfect to describe my mother and I when I was younger - she always had my back. She was my best friend and my rock. We were as close as a mother and daughter could be and we were both unstoppable. After I came out at 17 everything we were came to a screeching halt - she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer shortly after this and passed away shortly after. I miss her every. single. day. And I always wonder, what if? Had I known then that you wouldn’t be here in a few years I would have never ruined our relationship by telling you I am a lesbian. I’m sorry. I love and miss you Mom. - Kelsey

Dear Photograph,
The barn, the tractor and my grandfather Sam are gone now. But on this Alberta farm beside the lake, you can hear his footsteps along with my grandma, great-grandma, those of my late father and now, my dear aunt who’s joined them and left behind so many memories. Rest in peace, Karen.
Lorena

Dear Photograph,

All those years ago, before I was even here, you and sissy were having fun in the same yard all our kids have had fun in. Nobody would have imagined you would be the first to go. Happy Birthday Brandel! We lost you almost 7 years ago and we still miss you everyday.

With great love,
Your Family

Dear Photograph,
Believe it or not, skinned knees aren’t the worst thing that can happen to you.
Love, 18 year-old you.

Dear Photograph,

This was my great uncles and grandfathers automotive shop in Dublin called Burney Brothers Garage. They sold Royal Enfield motorcycles and raced in the Isle of Man TT. They were also in business with Stanley Woods, who was an Irish motorcycle racer famous for 29 Grand Prix wins and winning the Isle of Man TT races 10 times in his career.

When the remaining family members went back to Dublin two weeks ago it was so special to be back in the place they lived and worked all their lives.

- Julie

Dear Photograph,

Looking back to our childhood here I am with my brothers and cousins on the Red Rock. We spent every summer playing on the beach surrounded by family. Today the Red Rock is buried in sand.

Lots of love from Deanlea Beach, Ontario, Canada.
Brenna

Dear Photograph,
It has been over 60 years since this photo was taken in La Baie, Quebec of my mother and her siblings. We are so lucky to be able to still visit this beautiful spot that has gone unchanged by time with these very same people.
- Denise

Dear Photograph,
My dad with his new car and our lives on top of it. -Your Other Daughter

dear-photograph:

Dear Photograph,
I was astounded, but I hadn’t had time to consider what I was seeing.
Mark Yokoyama

(via dear-photograph)

Dear Photograph,
We took the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and missed visiting the twin towers. The next day (Note the timestamp on the original photo) will be forever etched in our hearts, as we drove further and further away, watching the skys unfold with so much heartache. Freedom… that word has never meant so much to us.
Love to the families, -Stephanie

Dear Photograph,
The three little man and women are now in 3 countries apart. Home gives us the bonding laugh.
Lingwen

Dear Photograph,
I was born in India, but at the age of 2 years old I moved to Italy with my family. I never came back to India until last year, when I was 30. There, I was with my father near the Indian ocean.
Subash

An appropriate Throwback Thursday - Donate to the ‪#‎ALSIceBucketChallenge‬ - www.ALSA.org/donate - ‪#‎TBT‬