Unpacking My Former Life-100 WORD STORIES WEEK16-NON-CHALLENGE

A fine, powerful poem. Every word is perfect. I've put my photo albums in atrunk and try not to think of them much especially since young friends and old lovers are dead now. I've been orphaned by life.

What you have written is beautiful, but it's true that the loved ones in the pctures are irretrievable, and for me they remind me I have lost them. I always expected that when I reached old age, I would be comforted by my life's collection of snapshots in albums. I'm old now, and instead they make me cry. I have all the pictures in my memory that I want to see.

Thank you both for your comments here. I feel the same and have been wondering if it's just me or if other older people feel the same. While I raised my children to leave home and live their own lives, I had imagined that they would come home occasionally and bring their children. It has happened only once and they are all in their 40's now. Of course it's been money and time on both our parts and now I've been spending all my SS and then some visiting them about once a year.

As for friends, I moved so often and lost track of so many and I really miss them all. Being a writer, I wrote at first but as I got busy and received no encouragement in the form of an answer from any of them, I let them slip away.

The telephone held a select few closer but all but one of those are gone now, too. I've no sisters, brothers, or cousins in my generation either. I have new friends, but if I neglect keeping in touch they don't take the lead. It makes me wonder what kind of friend I have been.

Well, that's my whine for today. (smile)

Thanks, Judi. I don't have much time this week but I couldn't resist. This was a poem, but it was only 77 words so I turned it into prose and added enough words.

Oh, how I hear you, sister. Those memories of a cherished face or time...

We are the sum total of our memories. Nice work.

I never thought that way about photos! As a former photographer I have stashes of negatives.

Good writing.

Such a sad story.. great drabble :O)

Beautiful, poignant drabble.

Very touching and beautifully written

Powerfully done. At once sad, and profound, with excellent use of your 100 words.

Can fully relate to your story as my kids want the pictures but I don't want to face them. An ex-military wife, there are too many places and too many people that I don't have contact with any longer but they remain in pictures. To be honest, they remain strong in memories also even though some are without names.

Makes me want to give her a hug. So sad and lonely.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I'll try to respond on your articles in the next day or so. I appreciate the solidarity of your comments.

a poignant piece...well done

[And you don't have to LOOK at the pictures, mom (Sandra F.)... just give them to us. ]

Very touching drabble.

bittersweet memories...

The kids may be irretrievble but the moments are not. That's what I love about photos and especially the new cameras. You don't like a photo, you exorcize it out of life right away. Not so much you can do about the kid situation though.

I am an orphan of life! I love that one. Goes along with I am a student at the University of Life quote.

Sad but poignant drabble.

Gregg

Touching drabble.

Very eloquent, Sandy. It may not have been a poem any longer, but it definitely told an emotional story.

Very beautiful, and emotion packed, Sandy. I greatly enjoyed this. It made me think of my Grams.

Such deep emotion. Excellent.

you writing is powerful, leaves me in thoughts. Rich description makes the plot clever and shows your skill.

Beautiful

I love your title

Nicely done Sandy :)

wow. excellent