Old Photo — New Perspective

February 16, 2009 · By Deb Phillips – The Photo Gal 

Grace, the mother of Deb Phillips, who grew up in and still lives in Lewisville, North Carolina (Forsyth County). Also known as Grace Jennings, Grace Phillips, Grace Spainhour. Deb Phillips, photographer.

Although this photo was not taken in Lewisville, North Carolina — a rare exception I’m making for today — at least I can say that the subject, my mother, was made in Lewisville! (Please forgive the pun, Mom!)

Years Ago

I took this photo of my mother at a family reunion years ago. I was very much a photo enthusiast even then.

When I snapped the picture, I had no idea how important it would become to me years later. Nor did I realize at the time what it was that I was capturing about my mother in that moment.

A Lovely Heart

Looking at the photo now, it’s clearly her lovely heart that I see. For many years, though, I did not see that portion of my mother’s heart. Instead, I misinterpreted many of her expectations and requests, and I sometimes took advantage of her giving spirit.

Yet, as is often true of mothers, Mom has always looked beyond the foibles of her children and has seen the hearts of her little girl and her little boys, perhaps better than we have seen ourselves. And I can’t help but think that maybe it wasn’t a coincidence that her parents named her Grace.

Today, our mother turns 76 years old. Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you.

Comments

8 Responses to “Old Photo — New Perspective”
  1. Sue says:

    What a lovely picture and what a lovely tribute to your Mom. Happy Birthday, Grace.

  2. Thank you, Sue. Mom doesn’t have a computer, so I’ll have her come over so she can read today’s post. I don’t think she’ll feel she’s too much in the limelight, and I know she’ll appreciate the well-wishes. Thanks for taking a moment to leave a birthday greeting for her.

  3. Jone Reid says:

    Happy Birthday Grace!!!!

    Deb, you look like your mother. I know you have her characeter too—ready to give grace. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Celebrate!

  4. Thanks for passing along your birthday greetings, Jone! When Mom comes over, she’ll be surprised to read them. Hmmm, it does look like we’re related, doesn’t it? 🙂 I’ve got a ways to go to come close to my mom’s grace, but thanks for being so gracious yourself.

  5. Steve Sherron says:

    That is a fantastic photo.

  6. Thank you so much, Steve. My Mom came over earlier, and the photo passed her test — so that’s good!

  7. Polly says:

    Deb, love the photo of your Mom and a big Happy Birthday to her and here’s to her celebrating many more. Polly

  8. Hey, Polly! Good to hear from you again! It was an honor to dedicate a blog post to my Mom. I’ll be sure to tell her that another virtual stranger has wished her a Happy Birthday! She’ll love it. Thanks so much, Polly.

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