Forgotten Souls

Have you ever come across old photos in family albums, or in antique stores, and wondered who they are? The photo below was found in a box of old photos from my grandmother.

On the front, it is dated August 1959 (that is when it was printed) but on the back in pencil it says ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith, May 1942’. I have no idea who they are or how they fit into our family story. And the only person left that I thought might know does not. I wish there was a way to find out. It is sad that they are forgotten souls who may have played a pivotal part in my family history. But I may never uncover their identities or stories.

The next photo, I found in the most unlikely place; in a book purchased at a thrift store. It appears to be a picture of a grandfather, father and two sons. My guess it is from the 1940s. Perhaps that is a photo taken before those young men went off to war. It makes me wonder if they ever came back or if they were casualties of a horrific conflict.

And this photo which may have been the only one they had is lost to the family forever, as I have no way to identify or trace them. But let's take a moment to look at their faces and remember there is a story behind them. Even if we don't know their names, they were important.