12/52: Jewelry Box

Two hobbies that brought my Papa John such joy:  fishing and wood-working.  He made this jewelry box, and the table it sits on, and the dressers that once housed my mom's wardrobe/then my own/now my little girl's, and... well, I could go on and on.  

 

My grandfather has been gone almost 13 years; yet when I look around, he is everywhere.  Some nights when I'm up late editing photos, I remember the hours he spent in his workshop, and like to think I'm somehow channeling his passion.  His was a different craft, but one rooted from the same attention to detail.

It is a rare gift when loved ones leave behind tangible works of their own blood, sweat and tears.  I hope that one day, long after I'm gone, a few of the photographs I've taken will be found on the walls --or at least tucked in the jewelry boxes-- of my children's and grandchildren's homes.  And I hope they remember the joy I found in capturing those moments. ♥