I married late in life to a man who grew up on a small farm in Northern Wisconsin. His parents raised ten children there, worked hard on the farm and gave a lot to their church and their community. I never met his father and knew his mother only briefly. Ten years after the last person lived in the house, some things remained untouched. Someday these personal items will go to a grandchild or great-grandchild who might want them. For now, this image connects me in my urban home to the rural past, my husband's heritage and Ruth.
Holding onto an item that brings back good memories is human nature. It can be especially hard to let go of something that belonged to a loved one who has passed. I like the idea of first having the pictures taken and then having some time to decide the future of the item. I wish I could have done this after my mom passed. Jo brings a mix of compassion, creativity and professionalism to her work that is very comforting.