Throwback Thursday

Today I thought I would share the first layout I did for my first design team which was at For Keep's Sake scrapbook store here in town. The product I was given wasn't really my style, but I made it work!

I can't believe it has been nine years since I made this layout! And my style has definitely changed I would say. But I still love this one. The photo is of my grandma Ruth and is one of my favorites of her. Here is the story:

Grandma Ruthie,

When I was younger, I loved to look through the brown wooden keepsake box that held all of your “treasures”. So many photos, programs, medals, coins and letters - lots of letters! At my young age I didn't truly understand what those things meant.

Then came my college years when I was able to live with you and we became “roommates”. When we became close. We got to know each other so well and shared so many special moments. That keepsake box took on a whole new meaning for me. It gave me a peek into what your life was like as a girl and young woman like me. Hearing your stories of the “old days” made me realize that you had special times and memories long before my dad came along and definitely long before your grandchildren.

And now that box is one of my most precious possessions because it is mine now. You died on August 23, 2005. Just this year. I am having a hard time with this. I just miss you so much. So when I came across that box, I held it to me tighter than anything. Except maybe the yellow patchwork quilt that still smelled of your home. Looking through that box again as a woman of thirty-four. As a wife. As a mother. I finally realize how truly special those memories are. What a blessed life you led and I am so happy to have known you for thirty-four years and to have been a part of it. I love you, Grandma Ruthie.

Your granddaughter,
Mary Jo

October 21, 2005 

I truly am glad I scrapbook, because one of the things I find hard to remember sometimes is the exact date we lost her. And it is written here on this page in my journaling so I won't ever really forget. I miss her so much, but my memories of her and these letters are so comforting.
So I try to capture as many memories as I can on my pages to share with my family because it's so easy to forget the little details.

Hope you have a great weekend!