Greetings, everyone! I am delighted to share my book with all of you, and I warmly welcome and appreciate any comments you may have. Please be aware that there may be some errors that have been overlooked. Nevertheless, my sincerest hope is that you thoroughly enjoy delving into the world I have created within these pages. Thank you for taking the time to explore my work, and your support is immensely valued!
***
On this significant but somber morning, I finally place the faded old photograph of my great-grandfather on the last remaining blank page of our family album, completing the epic task of recreating the family tree. It is a photograph that my mother has found in the attic of her parents' old house, one that has been considered lost for many years.
I knew about the existence of this photograph thanks to my grandmother, but she never remembered where she had put it. For years, a blank page stared back at me from the album, until this Friday when I returned home from work to find a tattered piece of paper with the image of my great-grandfather on the table. My heart swelled with joy as I finally held the precious photograph but I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness knowing that my grandmother was not there to share my excitement. She passed away many years ago, and I wonder what she would have thought of my completed family album. When I especially diligently took up the search, she always said that the true value of our family album isn't just in the photographs and the stories, but in the connections that it represents - the connections between generations, between family members, and between the past and the present. It is a reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves, and that our family's history is a treasure that should be cherished and celebrated.
Deep in my heart I believe that my grandmother would have been proud of the work that I had done, and I felt grateful to have been able to honor her memory in this way. It was a labor of love that had taken years to complete, but it was worth it to have a tangible record of our family's history, a testament to the connections between generations, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing our family's legacy.
Recreating our family tree has been a hobby of mine since childhood. I had been inspired by a neighbor's wall poster of a family tree in the form of a flowering bush, with round photographs of relatives glued in. I approached the process creatively, pouring over piles of family archives in search of necessary photographs, asking grandparents and other close relatives about our family history, our ancestors, and the origin of our family name.
As a schoolboy, my father and I would visit the city archive after classes on Thursdays, where I would search through old newspapers for notes about my grandfather, a World War veteran, and other relatives.
As a result, we now have a beautiful album that is dedicated to our family. It will serve as a cherished heirloom and the focal point of all our family gatherings.
My wife Gabriela always supported me in my hobby and believed that a genealogical book would be the best gift for our future children, family's legacy they could pass down to future generations.
With my own ancestral history album in hand, I resolved to delve into the origins of my wife's family tree. This time, the process was much faster, as Gabriela had an entire album of photographs and clippings from the local newspaper after she had moved with her father from a small town to Seattle. With my experience in recreating our family tree, all the necessary material was at hand. Six months later, the album was already on display on the bookshelf, but there was one photograph missing - that of Gabriela's grandfather. Despite searching through personal and group photographs, as well as newspaper clippings, I couldn't find his image anywhere.
While leisurely flipping through the family album this morning, my gaze fixates once more on the blank page before me. I can feel a knot tightening in my stomach as I'm filled with a sense of restlessness, almost unease upon the reminder of the incomplete family tree and realizing that there is a crucial piece missing from its intricate puzzle. Gabriela's grandmother looks at me sadly from the next page, and there is a pang of guilt for not having found a photograph that would complete our family history.
Studying the photograph of Gabriela's grandmother, I notice the beautiful shawl with an intricate ornament. It's a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that her family possesses, and I feel a renewed sense of determination to find a photograph that would honor that heritage.
Just then, Gabriela calls me for breakfast, and I reluctantly put the album aside, promising myself that I will return to it later. While heading towards the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, oatmeal, and warm croissants fills the air.
As I enter the room, Gabriela's bright smile illuminates her already stunning features. Her dark long, braided hair cascades down her back, framing her high cheekbones and full lips. Sitting down to savor breakfast together, we sip on steaming cups of coffee, when Gabriela breaks the silence, her inquisitive gaze fixed on me.
"Are you excited about going to Africa?" With enthusiasm, she asks me about my upcoming trip to the wilds of Kenya and Tanzania.
"Sure thing," I exclaim. "Look at this hotel I booked in Nairobi," I show her the screenshot of the hotel website on my phone. "And this one in Dodoma." Ever the traveler, I am eager to share all the details of my trip.
"Those are wonderful!" Gabriela beams with excitement, listening to me intently as I speak of my carefully planned itinerary.
"I'm sure you'll have fun and shoot a bunch of wonderful photos!" I can see the twinkle in her big brown eyes as she imagines the breathtaking landscapes and exotic animals that await me.
As an accomplished photographer, my travels have taken me to many exotic locations, where I have captured some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes and sceneries.
I recount my previous successful trip to Peru, where I captured awe-inspiring photos of Mount Huayna Picchu and the lost city of Machu Picchu, lake Titicaca and Nazca desert.
My photograph was even featured prominently on the front page of a leading magazine. In the image, I was standing next to the ruins of lost city, my arms stretched wide, with a disheveled mane of dark hair and piercing green eyes that shone brightly against my bronzed complexion.
The magazine article eloquently described my journey and the remarkable beauty of the lost city. Through my lens, I was able to capture the intricate details of the ruins in all their splendor, immersing readers into the mystical world of archaeology and culture.
The recognition and exposure I received from this published work acted as a catalyst for both personal and professional growth. It gave me the courage and confidence to continue exploring new horizons with my camera and pushed me to hone my artistic skill even further.
This time, I am traveling with some friends to fulfill a long-held desire of visiting Africa. We have meticulously planned our journey, taking into account all the necessary vaccinations and bookings for a safe and enjoyable trip. We are looking forward to observing the great migration of wildebeest, lions, zebras, and Thomson's gazelles as they move across Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya in search of fresh pasture. I am eager to capture these creatures in their natural habitat and share their beauty with the world.
"I wish I could go with you?" Gabriela expresses her heart's longing to be there with me. In her eyes, I can see the glimmer of adventure and wanderlust, but her demanding work schedule has forced her to put her dreams on hold. As the sales manager of an instrument-producing company, she has two major exhibitions to manage during September, and it is crucial that she doesn't miss her appointments.
The timing of my trip was an essential consideration, as the great migration of animals only takes place during certain times of the year. As a result, the dates had been rigidly set some time prior, with most of my friends agreeing on September as the best month for our travels.
"Going to Africa has been my dream since childhood," Gabriela says thoughtfully. "I used to ask my father to take me there to see the magnificent zebras and elephants. He always promised to take me one day, but that never came true," she adds, twisting her lips with a hint of bitterness.
"I promise that next time we will travel together, " I say upon hearing the disappointment in her voice.
Gabriela's eyes light up at the prospect, and I can sense her excitement. She shares more stories from her childhood, including memories of her grandfather. I lean forward eagerly, captivated by her reminiscences. Her stories pique my curiosity once again, and I can't help but think about the missing piece of our family tree.
"Gabi, do you remember what your grandfather looked like?" I inquire, a slight smile forming on my lips. "We could ask some artist to draw his portrait according to your description. Our children will at least have an idea of what he looked like."
"Oh, honey, I've told you many times that I've never seen him in person," Gabriela says, putting oatmeal on my plate. "You've already done a great job. There is no photo and it is ok! Some don't have any pictures of their ancestors at all!
I sigh, "It's just that every time I open an album, I stumble upon an empty space and it upsets me."
Gabriela rolls her eyes. She is definitely tired of discussing this topic, "Never mind that! It is such a trifle! It is strange, of course, that there is not a single photo. Dad often mentioned him, said that he was kind of odd."
"What did he mean?"
"I don't know. He didn't explain. And me myself I didn't ask," She avoids looking at me.
Gabriela begins to eat porridge, looking at her watch. It is already dawn. Birds chirping is heard from the opened window. I see them jumping from branch to branch. Fresh air fills the room.
'"Steve, do you know what I remember? Gabriela stares at me with her big brown eyes as she stirres her oatmeal.
"What is that?" I look at her with a surprise.
"Completely flew out of my head," she shakes her head nervously, "There is one photo. I saw it once before we moved to Seattle."
"So where is it?" I almost jump in my chair, my eyes flow open.
Gabriela hovers a little with a reply and then mutters, "At his grave," twisting her lips. "We visited it shortly after the death of my grandfather, a few days before leaving the town."
"Damn! It would be better if you didn't say that," I whimper sadly and my enthusiasm vanishes in an instant.
"I just answered your question. You still can't calm down in search of that damned photo." Gabriela snaps.
"What did it look like?" I ask, my curiosity piqued. "I need to know more about that photo."
"Why are you asking?" Gabriela frowns, suspicion creeping into her expression. "Do you want to blame me for telling stuff again? I already told you everything I know about it.
"I'm sorry, honey!" I look at my wife apologetically. "Please tell me, it's interesting."
She looks at the window, lost in thought, before turning her gaze back to me.
"I remember that there was an image on the stone, small and dark, inserted into a piece of glass," she says, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Back then, I could barely make out the features of his face."
I slowly pick at my plate with a spoon, as I try to imagine what the man in the photo looked like.
"Steve, honey, don't be upset," Gabriela's voice sounds right above my ear, bringing me out of my thoughtful state. "The album is wonderful even without the grandfather's photo. Just write down the dates of his birth and death and that will be enough."
"Okay, I guess you're right!" I say, trying to shake off the thoughts that plague me. Although deep inside, I cannot agree that faceless dates would be enough. I want to know more about the man who is a part of my wife's family's history.
Gabriela's phone chirps, announcing the time for her to leave home. She quickly gathers her things and gives me a quick kiss before heading out the door.
"Honey, I have to go!" she says, putting on her jacket and adjusting the silver chain on her slender neck with the key-shaped pendant. "You know my boss will be angry if I'm late again." She's in a hurry, grabbing her purse and rushing towards the door.
As Gabriela leaves, I wonder about what I have been told, lost in my thoughts. So the photo exists, but it's in the cemetery. It's a bittersweet realization, but at least there's a chance to see it in person.
I know that it won't be easy, but I am determined to find the missing piece of the family tree and honor the rich cultural heritage that we possess.
What if we take a vacation and go to Gabriela's hometown? She would certainly like to visit the places where she spent her childhood. And I...I would finally get to see a photo of her grandfather, a piece of our family's history that has eluded me for so long.
I make a mental note to bring up the idea to Gabriela when she returns home. I can't wait to see the look on her face when I suggest it.
As I sit in front of my laptop, waiting for the next request from the magazine I work for, I can't help but let my mind wander. I'm a photographer by trade, but I also work part-time editing and retouching images. Today, I have some accumulated work to catch up on during my day off.
Finally, a notification from the magazine appears on my screen, and I open the first photo to begin retouching. As I work on the charming summer landscape of a small village surrounded by lush greenery, I keep feeling a sense of longing for a change of scenery. What if this is a sign? A sign to pack up and leave the bustling city for a few days to visit Gabriela's small town.
It's been so long since we've taken a vacation, both of us working hard to ensure a decent life. I lean back in my computer chair, crossing my hands behind my head as I consider the possibilities. We could relax, spend quality time together, and Gabriela could visit her old places and catch up with old friends. As for me, my top priority is finally getting a photo of her grandfather.
This thought follows me throughout the day, and by evening, I'm convinced that the plan is a great idea. The only thing left to do is persuade my wife to go along with it.
***
I'm already asleep by the time Gabriela gets home. The door creaks and I wake up, glancing at the clock to see that it's already midnight.
"Bunch of work! Sorry, honey," she whispers, climbing under the blanket and hugging me tightly.
I wrap my arms around her, feeling comforted by her presence. I know that she's exhausted, but can't wait to tell her about my idea for a vacation to her hometown and the chance to finally see a photo of her grandfather.
"I wanted to talk to you," I say, feeling the sleep dissipate.
"Something serious? Gabriela looks at me, raising her eyebrows. Her face looks pale under the moonlight streaming from the opened window.
"Not really!" I smile and clear my throat. "What do you think of going to your hometown?"
Gabriela looks at me incredulously, braiding her long brown wavy hair into a low ponytail.
"Photo!" You want to go there because of the damned photo!" she says unhappily. "Do you plan to steal it from the cemetery?"
Smile fades away from my face, "Are you serious? I didn't even think about it." For a moment I feel insulted, "How did you even consider such a thing?"
Gabriela keeps looking at me with disbelief.
"I will take a picture of it," I snap, trying to justify myself.
"Steve...," Gabriela starts, thinking of another argument. I can see it on her face.
"Gabi, please just think about it!" I plead, wrapping my hands around hers in an attempt to finally persuade her. "It's not just about the photo of your grandfather. Don't you want to see your friend Isabel? You haven't seen each other in more than ten years. Don't you want to take a week off from this fuss and get some fresh air?"
Gabriela's expression softens as she considers my words. "I do miss Isabel," she admits. "And it would be nice to get away for a bit." She looks up at me with a smile and sighs, "But it is really not a good moment! I'm up to my ears in paperwork. The deadline for my report is in one week and I'm just extremely busy," she rubs her temples with her big fingers.
"But, honey, listen!" I sit up on the bed. "You can take a vacation after submitting your report! I don't mean to dash off at the moment!"
Gabriela listens to me in silence.
"We need a change of scenery!" I emphasize.
She finally looks straight at me and says, "Okay!" Her face lights up with a smile as she squeezes my hands with hers. "Okay, let's do it. Let's go to Pine Hollow."
I feel a sense of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Gabi. I promise it will be worth it." I lean in to give her a kiss on the forehead.
She giggles and pushes me away playfully. "Stop it, you goofball," she says, laughing. "Will have to start planning this trip. We have a lot to do before we can leave."
"Okay, okay," I grab my notebook,feeling the excitement bubble up inside me. "I'll get the tickets."
"You can do it tomorrow, honey!" Gabriela takes the notebook from my hands. "No rush, remember? Let me finish up all this work turmoil and then we can plan the trip properly. For now, let's just get some sleep."
"As you wish," I agree, hugging my wife tightly before drifting off to sleep.
As I lay there, I feel extremely excited about the chance to explore Gabriela's hometown and learn more about her past. It's going to be an adventure, and I can't wait to see where it takes us.
***
The next afternoon, I sit down to make a list of things we need to do before the trip. We have to book our tickets, find a place to stay, and plan out our itinerary. As I'm searching for a comfortable hotel on Booking, my phone starts buzzing.
"You won't believe who just called me!" exclaims Gabriela, beaming with excitement.
"Who is it?" I ask curiously.
"It's Isabel! I wrote her this morning. She and her husband have offered us stay in their house during our trip!" she replies with glee.
I hesitate slightly, not keen on the idea of crashing in someone else's home, but decide not to disappoint Gabriela.
"That sounds great," I reply.
Gabriela's anticipation is evident, and she cannot contain her joy any longer.
"Steve, you know I've been wanting to see her for over ten years now, and it's finally happening!" she exclaims.
Knowing that circumstances has previously hindered any opportunity for them to reunite, I feel glad that this trip is finally becoming a reality for her.
We continue to talk about her work and the preparations we need to do before leaving for the trip. After finishing up the call, I feel a sense of relief that everything had fallen into place. With the trip coming up, I spend the rest of the week preparing for it - packing bags, buying gifts, and wrapping up some of my own projects.
The night before our departure, we take a leisurely stroll through the park with some friends. We chat about our upcoming adventure and I share my true intentions. Our friends think I am crazy, but wish me luck nonetheless.
Upon arriving home, Gabriela heads straight to bed, hoping to catch as much sleep as possible before our early morning departure. While I know it would be wise to follow suit, I find myself wide awake. Perhaps it is the cup of coffee I had in the park, but I cannot seem to shake the feeling of unease that has settled in.
I wander aimlessly around the dark apartment until I find myself standing in front of the bookshelf. I pick up the album and flip through its pages, unfazed by the blank space that would soon be filled with a photo of Isabel's grandfather. But there is something else that keeps me up - a strange, inexplicable sense of anxiety.
I search my mind for a reason but come up empty-handed. I place the album in my suitcase and try to get some rest. After tossing and turning for nearly an hour, I finally manage to calm my whirling thoughts and drift off to sleep.
As I close my eyes, I remind myself that everything is done for the best. And with that, I surrender to the soothing embrace of slumber.