Photos melt my heart | Photos #4

by Elouise

1972 Jan Bryce Canyon Scott

It’s summer 1972. We’re still on our road trip from South Carolina to the West Coast and back, one year before we leave the Bible College.

The photo above shows Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Our son seems to think he’d make a good photographer. (He would!) So he’s getting a little early practice, at least in spirit. Behind him is an overview of the Canyon, though it’s larger and longer than any photo could capture.

Here’s another from Bryce Canyon. Just looking at it takes my breath away. What if I lose my grip and one of our children plummets? They don’t even have shoes on their feet! Does it melt my heart? Yes, when I see how ready our children were to trust us. Or at least believe we were strong and smart enough to keep them safe.

1972 Jan Bryce Canyon Elouise Scott and Sherry looking at the sheer walls

Now we’re back on the road. Time for lunch from the trunk. I know. It isn’t Bryce Canyon. I think it’s southern California. Back to the menu. Nothing exotic. Same as yesterday: peanut butter sandwiches, water, fruit and probably cookies. Simple and quick, if it weren’t for that nasty insect. Or did my plastic knife just break? I vote for the insect! I love the everyday reality of this one, how simple it was to stop for lunch back then, and the earnest look on our daughter’s face! I don’t have a clue what she’s saying or, more likely, singing.

1972 ND Elouise with Sherry and Scott picnic

Here we’ve stopped at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in the northern part of Arizona (just below Utah). It’s less familiar yet every bit as spectacular. And yes, our son’s confident lean over the edge to ponder things below makes my heart skip a beat. His curiosity and eagerness to investigate everything knew no bounds. Sometimes my heartmelt had a bit of fear in it.

1972 Scott plumbing the depths of the Grand Canyon ND

We stopped for a couple of days in Tucson, Arizona to visit with some of D’s relatives. The following intense inspection took place in the back yard of one of D’s aunts.

1972 Sep Scott and Sherry with turtle in Tucson back yard

Here we’re in Tombstone, Arizona, for a taste of the wild West! I think we fit in nicely, don’t you? Just hanging out, taking in the scene. Regular dudes.

1972 Sep Elouise Scott and Sherry in old town

On to Southern California and the San Diego Zoo. Time to get up close and personal with the animals! The zoo had a fabulous hands-on area for children.

1972 Aug San Diego Zoo Scott and Sherry with the goats
1972 Aug San Diego Zoo Scott and Sherry riding the Tortoise
Finally, here’s a colorful memory—lunch with friends in Pasadena, California.

1972 Sep Picnic in Pasadena with David's old roomate 2

They just had their first baby, and our daughter is awestruck. I love the look on her face. I’m looking pretty chic there myself. Where did all that makeup and that bright dress come from? It felt great to ditch the jeans for a bit.

Thanks for indulging me! These photos remind me of our shared past, part of the cement that connects us as a family. We needed this investment of time, resources and energy. Real life together had only just begun.

What are some of your shared family memories?

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 12 November 2015
Photo credit: DAFraser, Summer 1972