Vintage Photo Friday: The Sad Truth

This photo breaks my heart.

In my collection of thrifted photos, I've found times of joy, the surprise of candid moments, haunting and atmospheric shots and yes, even times of sorrow. This particular polaroid is rather striking. From other shots in the same thrifted family album, it's clear that this young woman had spent a significant amount of time in the hospital. (The other photos I will not share, simply because they seem far too personal in nature, no matter that these are strangers from long ago).

Her vacant stare at the flowers from her visitors, in an otherwise bleak hospital room...It's just sad. However, this woman overcame whatever ailments plagued her in the summer of 1979. In later-dated photos in the album, she looks happier and healthier at social functions outside of the hospital. I take a strange comfort in knowing that. 

But in looking at the bigger picture here, I still have to wonder how these photos are lost to the ones that loved them. I've found photos with names and dates. I've even found post cards with names and addresses. I could potentially contact next of kin to see if they're interested in recovering mementos from the past. But aside from the fear of overstepping some strange degree of etiquette, I'm ultimately afraid of the sad truth of the matter: 

• There may be nobody left of the family. 
• There may be nobody left who cares to keep relics of their family's past. 

My Grandmom totally rocked the polyester. <3

This past Wednesday was a year since my Grandmother passed away. And I've kept photos of her with me and the rest of my family from over the years. I even have a number of photos of her at my age, long before I was in existence. They're too special to just throw away. 


I don't know. Maybe some people don't place value on tangible proof of the past and feel that mental pictures are enough to cling to the memory of a loved one. Or maybe I'm just a big 'ol sap that gets way too sentimental  over thrifted photographs. 

'Fess up. Who else out there thrifts vintage albums for the family photos inside? Does it make you just a little sad to find them abandoned in the thrift store?

_____________________________________

Let's Go Thrifting recommends...

Cheese!