I was sourcing photos on Flickr the other day for a special generations project when I came across an account with a single set of photos titled “In Memory of Clardy.” It was posted in 2008, and there has been no activity by the owner since that time.
The series chronicles the courtship and marriage of a man and woman that was witness to six generations. They were together from at least 1963 to 2008. It appears the couple was from Hong Kong, but moved to the United States during the late 1960s or early 1970s. The series was created by the husband following the death of his beloved wife from cancer.
I studied these pictures for a good hour, thinking all the while about how, through 45 years, they always managed to get a picture together. They traveled far and wide to Mt. Fuji and Florida, Hong Kong and Cancun and lots of places in between.
It made me wonder about all the strangers they must have asked to snap their picture along the way.
As I looked through the few dozen photos, I thought about all the time the husband spent scanning the pictures, uploading them to Flickr, and writing captions.
And, I thought about how he relived the special memories with his wife. He wanted the world to know how much she meant to him; how much he loved her.
For richer, for poorer.
In sickness and in health.
Beautiful images, I am sure they were very pleased. I have been following your work for some time and I have to say your talent is immense.
I think so, too! Thanks, Holly!
Thanks, Karin! Every time I return to this post and scroll through the pics I’m just utterly stunned by the time I get to the last one – again and again. I sent the man a message on Flickr, but I don’t think he received it. I’m glad he took the time to tell their story!
I thought it was so beautiful, too! It inspired me to take more pictures with everyone I love!
I was clearing out email notifications and was about to delete, but when I saw a hint of this post in my email inbox, I read it all, and then came here straight away to comment. By the time I got to the end of this post, I was totally crying. What an awesomely touching tribute. I am sharing this post… Thanks, Jen. Loved this.
a beautiful tribute…
This post both gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful find.