feel like crying: a hard day

[Red Lioness]

I know what it is like to only know a family member by photographs. My father died when I was just a baby and for most of my life all I ever saw of him was the portrait my mother gave him as a wedding present. Every baby picture of me had a mystery hand coming in from the side; identified as my father's, always ready to catch me if I fell.

The great irony to me was that my stepfather, who I hated, looked so much like my father. My stepfather couldn't stand any mention of my father and most of his belongings were banished to a big green chest that was kept out in the barn. Until the past two years, that was really the only connection I had to my father.

If it were me, I don't think I could have given up the paintings, but the decision was yours and as painful as it is now, I hope it's the right one.

[Colin]

I feel for you Alan.

Take some comfort in the fact that the portraits will likely live on well past any of us and will be shared and enjoyed by many.

[turpin]

It is clear that this was a heart-wrenching event for you, Alan, causing unknowable emotional turmoil. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us here. One of the reasons I continue with this forum is the honesty, openness, and maturity of the membership, as exemplified in your heartfelt outpouring to us.

[andyfg]

It is clear that this was a heart-wrenching event for you, Alan, causing unknowable emotional turmoil. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us here. One of the reasons I continue with this forum is the honesty, openness, and maturity of the membership, as exemplified in your heartfelt outpouring to us.

These are my thoughts too Alan. All the best for the new year.

[Lily]

There,s not much more i can say that ain,t been said already, but i can feel the pain you have.

Mayby ...........some day , someone want to know who those beautifull girls are on the portraits.
Although you don,t have them anymore, the portraits are save now and will be taken care of.