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A Kodak Moment Yes, but Oh – So Much More.

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage BRE#01732313

Crowson Family - Monterey, CASometimes it takes a contest, like the one from Active Rain and Kodak,urging us to think about our own personal Kodak moment.  There are many, but this one stands out for me personally.

Yes, this is yet another family photograph.  I would imagine that many of the contest entries will feature family or friends and not just places.  But the places usually hold more meaning because of whom we share them with.

The setting: The Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA – May 2005

The cast: In this shot, my immediate family. Having all 5 of our family members together at any given time makes it special, primarily because due to geography, it doesn’t happen on a regular basis.  But this particular time, everyone was there.

The event: Our middle son’s graduation from college.

The significance: Blended families and ex-family, coming together for celebration and unity.

The locations represented: Livermore, CA. Monterey, CA. Twain Harte, CA. Danville, CA. Yokuska Japan. Zushi, Japan.   Kaui, Hawaii. Austin, TX.  Houston, TX. Riverside, CA.

When my youngest son graduated from college, we wanted to be there in force. Our family isn’t a large one to start with but the fracture caused by divorce nearly 20 years earlier certainly made for some interesting dynamics.  Another hurdle was getting everyone together, given where everyone lives.  Since we knew well in advance when graduation would take place, we at least had a starting place.

Day 1 of this excursion – a picnic in Pacific Grove, right at the waters edge.  May is usually pretty mild, in fact sometimes downright cold. But we had simply gorgeous weather, and the ice plant was full bloom, gloriously painting the landscape. My ex-husband and his wife and daughter joined us for the picnic, as well as my parents, brother and wife and my son’s girlfriends parents who we met for the first time.Monterey Coastline

Day 2. Graduation Day. My son graduated from Cal State University at Monterey Bay, with a BA in Social Behavioral Science, and the founder of their first Greek fraternity on campus. A very proud day for all of us. Later that night, the rest of the family joined us. My ex in-laws (mother, father and two brothers-in-law) came from Hawaii and Texas. That was the first time we’d all seen each other since 1987.  Old wounds were long since abandoned and we celebrated a family milestone together. It was a very poignant time for all of us, as we set aside the unpleasant memories of the past to replace them with new and happy ones. After a fabulous and formal dinner out, we all donned our jeans and headed over to my ex-in laws hotel room to visit.  Cocktails flowed, as did the laughter (and apparently noise level). The proprietor politely asked us to wrap it up, or quiet down.  Rather comical to think that in their 80s, my ex-husband’s parents were hosting a raucous ‘party’ in their room.

Day 3. Our party of 17 descended on a local restaurant for breakfast. We were a noisy bunch, but just having such a darn good time.  Then off to the waterfront for a walk along the coast line before some the group had to go.  We finished off the weekend with a visit to Carmel beach.

One day my three sons were visiting and we were talking about what our best memories were as a family.  For the son who graduated that day, this was his favorite and the other two boys named it as one of theirs too.  This photo will always remind me of that very special day when two families once torn apart, were able to reunite and again consider each other – FAMILY.

The Entire Family at Tarpy's Roadhouse, Monterey, CA


Kodak LogoThis post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera

To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain.

Comments (5)

Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Karen, I'm noticing a trend in the Kodak photos...they almost always come down to FAMILY!

Sounds like the bunch of you had a fantastic time!

Dec 15, 2010 05:11 AM
Deanna Bennett
RentMonitor - Boulder, CO
RentMonitor Online Rent Collection Software

Thanks for posting this. I just heard about the contest through you post. Now I need to find my Kodak moment photo to blog about.

Dec 15, 2010 05:16 AM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

Hi Liz and Bill.  I wonder if that will be the focal point of many of us.  My guess is yes - we're in the business of relationships. Why wouldn't we start at home? ;)

Cool Deanna.  I'll have to watch for your post.

Dec 15, 2010 05:22 AM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Thee memories are priceless!

all the best

Merry Christmas!

From your friend who sells Charlottesville Real Estate

Dec 15, 2010 07:51 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Family is key especially for our Kodak moments; all the best and Merry Christmas!

Dec 15, 2010 02:59 PM