My wife, Denise, has always been a shutterbug – meaning that she has always enjoyed capturing special moments on film. In her early years, she embarked on a career in Journalism, which likely stemmed from her desire to capture history. During her stint at Grant McEwan University in Edmonton, AB, while taking Journalism, she found an interest in developing photos which added to her joy. Although photojournalism didn’t become her career, she never lost interest in that realm. When I met Denise, I learned quickly that her camera was never far out of reach, and as much as I hated being in photos, I came to appreciate the photos she took and compiled in albums.
For a long time, the albums were stored in out of the way places. When I had my small woodworking shop in 2018, I built her crates for storage and hauling, with the adaptation that they could be stacked and locked together as a bookcase. I made enough to ensure that there was room to expand her photo collection.
Photo Album Crate Bookcase with Albums – Photo by Don Cheke
When we downsized and moved in 2019, we sent the photo albums and bookcase to my daughter’s home. When Denise regretted not having the photos on hand, I suggested that we clear space and move it back to our new apartment style home, where it has resided since. As you may know, over the last many years, buying good quality photo albums has gone the way of the dodo bird. As they began to fall apart Denise decided to take all the photos and place them in photo boxes. A plan to add labels and to index the photos began to evolve. Denise said that she would not be able to write her memoirs, like I had, but she would leave her photos as part of her legacy. Below we can see the initial boxes with temporary labels.
Photo Album Crate Bookcase with Photo Boxes – Photo by Don Cheke
You saw Denise in her nest, working hard at devising divider text in the feature image, seen again here. What you don’t see is all the writing she is adding to the back of many photos, making clear those things that might not be so obvious to someone looking years from now.
Denise Sorting & Labeling Photos – Photo by Don Cheke
To assist Denise, I have been taking her notes for the labels and box dividers and printing them from the computer. Below is one of the initial boxes with a more permanent label.
Photo Box Closed – Photo by Don Cheke
Below is the same box, opened and revealing the dividers. Only about 17 more boxes to tackle. 👍😊
Photo Box Opened – Photo by Don Cheke
As Denise works her way through the boxes, I can see the joy this project is bringing her. Me too, as she calls often for me to come and see what treasure she has found.
Interestingly enough, when I was out for breakfast the other day at McNally’s I watched a woman and her young daughter (maybe 4 years old) walking towards their car. I was reminded of my time as a stay-at-home dad and when Emma and I would trek all over the place to keep ourselves occupied through the days. This included things like going to the pool, the library, the various buildings at the university, restaurants, and playgrounds – and so much more. Keep in mind that Denise was always part of the picture when her work would allow. She was a teacher/principal, so we had long periods of time during summer holidays, as well as weekends, evenings, etc.
Not in any particular order, here are a few pictures that came up in an early family album.
Denise & Emma – Photo by Don Cheke (?)
Look how happy Emma is with her mama! To this day, they enjoy a daily session or two sharing all sorts of things. It is a joy to see the relationship they have maintained all these years.
Emma & Don Reading on Sofa – Photo by Denise Cheke
Emma and I shared many interests when we hung out in the early years. Here we are enjoying a silent companionship while we spend time reading. She often preferred being only in her diaper or underwear, but due to political correctness, I have added some clothes with the magic of photo editing.
Don & Emma Sharing a Book – Photo by Denise Cheke
Emma, like her mom and me, has always enjoyed reading. Here, Emma and I are checking something out in one of her books. Isn’t she just as cute as a button!? Google AI states: “Cute as a button” is a common idiom used to describe someone or something, typically small, that is very adorable, charming, or dainty. Often used for babies, pets, or small objects, the phrase dates back to the late 19th century. It implies a pleasant, attractive appearance, often associated with tiny, polished, or well-turned-out features. Yep, that’s her! 👍😊💖
Don & Emma Drawing – Photo by Denise Cheke
This picture of Emma and I drawing is one of my favorites! We spent hours drawing together back in the day. She had a real interest and knack for it. Gosh, we both look so into it – serious business, wouldn’t you say.
Emma & Don in the Dry Grass – Photo by Denise Cheke
Denise, Emma, and I spent a lot of time at Beaver Creek and places like that. Here is Emma and I checking out something in the grass. If this had been Arizona, we’d be checking out a small lizard! Emma always loved nature and the great outdoors. She now shares those interests with her own children – Olivia, Madelyn, and Luke. Denise just reminded me that we were likely checking out an early spring crocus blossom.
Denise & Emma in Canoe – Photo by Don Cheke
I am so blessed to have these beauties as my family. Here we see Denise and Emma in a canoe, one of our yearly trips to the lake for camping. One year, very early in our family life, we went to Maple Creek to a teepee sleeping – horseback riding – camping trip. The first night when we turned out the lantern, Emma said, “it’s so dark, I can’t even see your face!” We just love that memory! This was also the trip that Emma found out that it’s not best practice to poke your air mattress with a safety pin. LOL!
Don & Emma – Zip Ride at the Park – Photo by Denise Cheke
Here we see Emma having a ride on the zip line with Papa’s help. Emma always called me Papa, something I always enjoyed. When she is talking with Denise and they are reminiscing about something, I hear her call me dad. That is such a beautiful thing – I love being a dad, and now a grandpa.
Don & Emma Enjoying the Sunny Day – Photo by Denise Cheke
In October 1992 I had a severe accident at the cabinet shop where I worked. When Denise and Emma were at the hospital while I was having surgery to clean up and address my amputations, Emma was thinking about what Denise was saying about it. Denise said that Emma looked a bit stunned and asked, “but who will cook for us now,” and moments later, “will he still be able to hold me?” Denise assured her that I would still be able to do both. She was happy with that. I just love to remember this story! Here we are out on the back deck when we lived in Martensville, 13 kilometers outside Saskatoon. Look how thin I was! No wonder Denise chased me and asked me to marry her! LOL! 😊
Thank you Denise, for all your years of capturing the wonderful memories we can reflect back on while flipping through the photos – and all this while being a huge part of it! You are amazing! 💖
Are you a shutterbug? Do you have any photo stories that bring you joy to think about! Share them in the comments if you wish.
Donald B. Cheke – Saskatoon, SK
What a wonderful blog! Thanks for sharing the memories and the photos.
Thanks for checking it out my friend, and thanks for taking time to comment!