An Old Year Mystery...Solved!

This photograph makes me happy.

Scattered amongst dozens of timeless treasures in my great great grandmother's family picture collection, I had no idea as to the identity of these sweet li'l babes...nor did my dear Auntie Georgia.

For the last couple of years, we've been sifting through and sorting photos and stories, calling cousins....and scouring ancestry.com for answers.  We've even been on a road trip or two in an enhanced effort to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle that make up our family tree.

Throughout the process, the wee tow heads were stuck in my mind.

Who were they?


The little boy actually looks remarkably like a boy named Mark from my second grade class.  I've always had a weakness as far as resemblances are concerned...I can't bear to not notice them.  So, you can imagine my frustration with the attempt to identify these little darlings.

And then one day...in yet another box, probably in between a crossword puzzle, some old panty hose, a broken watch, some mis-matched earrings...and an embroidered hanky or two,

I found this!

And that made me very happy indeed.


Because, dear readers, there is no mistaking...no there is absolutely NO MISTAKING...the eyes of the third little tow head.

Uncle George!

My wee grandma's big brother!

My wee grandma's big brothers!!

AND

MY WEE GRANDMA!!!

Born in 1921, she'll be celebrating her 90th Birthday in just a few weeks.  Uncle Ralph went to his home in Glory a few years ago,  and Uncle George...is 93!

Now, when I look at the picture, I can't help but see Uncle Ralph.  My mom wasn't quite so sure that I'd solved the puzzle.  "No," she said, "their clothes are too nice and white...and the pictures are too old."

"I know it's them.  I just know it!"

I told my sweet mother.

"Hmmm....I don't think so.  I don't see it."

"Maybe the clothes have been passed down through the generations, "

I offered.

And then, I looked at another photograph from a new perspective.

"Look!"

"Ritta, George & Ralph"


Captured in this blurry over-exposed moment is my mom's dear grandma getting her wee boys in white ready for a photoshoot.

How sweet is that???
Who doesn't love to solve a nice little mystery?
 I'm looking forward to exciting new answers and adventures in 2011.

..............................................

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement this year.

I hope that your New Year will be Blessed beyond Measure!

: )

Julie M.

Shop for all sorts of sweet gifts for today's li'l ones at www.thelittleredshop.com