When I got married, my spouse asked many questions about my childhood, my parents and what we did and looked like when we were young. I didn't have all the answers and as far as pictures went, my mom owned the good ones. So I went to my mom and pored through the old pictures, begging for this one and that one so that I could start my own album. Invariably, the answer was, "No, you can't have it, this is the only one of that person and it means a lot to me." She added that I could borrow it to copy but I would have to return it the next day. Some of my relatives and indeed some of my own baby pictures were already irretrievably lost. Certainly, the gift of a nice camera should be a priority for the smart parent. Some new couples just raid their parent's albums without asking, causing much bad blood and angry words. One solution told to me by a client was to save one different picture or proof of each child, one for every year, and place them in a special album for when they get married. This album or albums (one for each child) would have to be stored in a safe, inaccessible place so that other family members could not 'borrow' them for their own use. One person I know keeps them in their safe deposit box at their bank! As an on going project, copies of all your precious one-of-a-kind photos can be added at your convenience. Your children will appreciate any efforts you make to collect important pictures from other relatives to fill in gaps in your albums.

Think of their faces when you present this treasure to the newlyweds when they return from their honeymoon. It is fashionable nowadays to present these records of your past in the form of slides at birthday parties, anniversary celebrations and wedding vow re-enactment's. Viewed on a large screen, tears and laughter mix to make a memorable evening, proving the love and care that went into the creation of your wonderful children.

The saga of the continuing good deed.