Day 13: Declutter & Clearify

I’m still working on video organization. Even though I transferred videos from the 8mm to DVDs, I listed the dates in my inventory. I noticed I included many details. These are the memories that stood out most for me. Having those details help with finding specific moments in addition to inspiring family stories. 

One videotape is labeled 1/17/1998-3/6/1998. Details listed:

• 1/18-Stephen’s Christening

• Stephen & Pooh house

• Stephen laughing

• Nick and Stephen playing

• Stephen 4 months old in bouncer

• Stephen 1st cereal in high chair

• Nick’s 1st play group

• Dinner time

• Nick’s hair cut

There are many firsts. Some don’t spark that immediate memory but thankfully I have the video to help me remember. Others like ‘Stephen laughing’ plays in my mind like it was yesterday.

Stephen, who is 3 months old sits in his high chair drinking from his sippy cup. He has sticky milk all over his face. When Stephen stops drinking, Nick leans in and pretends to drink. It’s a simple act that Stephen thinks is hilarious. He laughs in a deep full-bellied way that is contagious. Nick does it multiple times, and Stephen’s gut is busting with glee.

I crack up as I listen to their carefree laughter and watch my two boys play. Every time I hear a baby belly laugh, I also think of this moment.

Details matter because they spark memory.

When organizing your videos, indexing your journals, and writing your personal and family history, add the specific details that help you remember: dates, names, events, tiny moments.

What’s makes you laugh and reminds you of carefree joy?