Need some thoughts on scrapping "hard to digest" memories...

Some of you might remember that my mom (who's only 47) has open heart quad-bypass surgery in March. It was a very, very scary time for us all because she had been very sick (in and out of the hospital several times within a year's time) prior to the heart catherization that revealed the blockages. And even after the blockages were found, it was a waiting game for the surgery because her kidneys were in such bad condition.

Long story short is that surgery went fine, she rocked recovery (is still in rehab now), and is doing great.

I took a lot of pictures during those weeks in the hospital and never looked at them again until today. I was very discreet when taking the pics b/c I knew people wouldn't have liked me taking pics at some of the times that I did. But I feel so strongly about having photos of all events of your life - the good and the bad. But these... they're hard to look at it. Really hard. They aren't at all gory or gross, but they bring a lot of emotion.

I looked through all of the pictures today, and after wiping my tears, decided that I really want to make a mini scrapbook (I'm thinking very simple, modern, black and white documentary-type pages) for my mom with the photos. Even if she only look at it once, and then puts it away for safe keeping, I want her to have these memories if she WANTS them. Ya know?

I know that I'm totally rambling now, but I'd like some thoughts on this. Do you think memories like this should be preserved? Forgotten? I'm really torn on this.

Yes, they NEED to be preserved! Mason has an album started about his battle with leukemia - not only was scrapping it therapeutic for me, but I firmly believe that it will be something he'll cherish when he's older. People were ticked at me for going home to get my camera and the diaper bag when he was being rushed to the city via air transport, but I actually said to them that I needed to take the pics for WHEN he got past what was wrong (we didn't know at the time what was wrong).

Yes, I agree. It is very theraputic to scrap those feelings and the events.

I have scrapped a lot of these kinds of memories & it can be very therapeutic....most of them didn't get posted anywhere public but they were still good for me to scrap, ya know?

I too think you should scrap these memories... the story of how courageous your mom is (and a happy ending!) should be documented for future generations... and also, help them in the future for their own family health history...

I've got a few family members that when there is a funeral are taking photos of the casket from every possible angle... now, those are memories I'd personally would not like to be reminded of... rather, what the person was when living...

I agree - you should scrap these momeries - i am sure your mum would thank you for it. Even if it's not something she would look at now, maybe she will like to see it years from now, when the events are truly behind her.

As for funeral photos - why not. If nothing else, it is a good way to remember who to thank for the flowers (if you take photos of the flowers that is).