Sometimes when a photo pops up on my phone like it did this morning, I just literally have to stop in my tracks and stare at the photo and each person in it with lots of love and gratitude. This precious photo of my Mom’s extended family was taken back in January 1963 at Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dan’s wedding in Brooklyn, NY. My family was so blessed to have such wonderful Aunts and Uncles who were always there for my Mom and Dad and the 5 Kirnan kids growing up. They have all gone to God now and remain in his loving embrace — Uncle Don, Uncle Bill, Uncle Mike, Grandpa Flaherty, Grandma Flaherty, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Dan, Uncle Nick, my Dad Jack Kirnan, sweet Aunt Sue, my Mom Claire Kirnan, Aunt Pat, and Aunt Lucy.
As I get older and move through my fourth quarter of this life, I find myself missing and thinking of my loved ones more than ever, just wishing I had one more time to hug them and to tell them how much I miss them and love them. My daughter Katie always reminds me though that one more hug could never be enough to express our deep and abiding love.
Older photos for people of my generation are so highly valued because we were not privy to having so many photos taken of us as compared to today. So every photo we do have like the one above becomes ever more precious to the memories we hold for our loved ones as we carry them forward until we too are called home by God.
Sending my fellow family members lots of love and best wishes in the hope that you know how much you are loved and will always be a part of me.
