I'll Get to It Someday...But What If?

We all think we have time. Time to sort through boxes of old photos. Time to digitize cherished memories. Time to back up priceless heirlooms. But what if time has other plans? What if something unexpected happens before we get to it? That's the hard lesson one of our team members, Denise, recently learned.

A Family Treasure: Preserving Generations of History

Denise's husband, currently serving overseas on a U.S. Navy carrier, inherited a unique family treasure: a typed book created in 1989, chronicling generations of family history and stories. (Remember the charm of the old typewriter? No "Ctrl+S" to save progress back then!) This book, a treasure trove of genealogical information and heartfelt tales, had been lovingly passed down through the years. Recognizing its importance, Denise planned to bring it into the 2000 Paces office after the holidays to ensure it was digitized and preserved for future generations.

Denise, an integral part of the 2000 Paces team for over three years, works tirelessly in our Digitizing Department. Every day, she preserves our clients' stories captured in print photos, memorabilia and documents, slides, and negatives. Her passion for our mission - "To provide authentic, compassionate solutions to transform the chaos of photos and memorabilia into an organized, preserved collection that can be easily shared and enjoyed for generations" - shines through in her unwavering dedication to preserving each memory with precision and compassion.

Remarkable Family History: From Tobacco Farms to Texas Ranches

Before the tragic loss of the book, Denise had the opportunity to review its contents. Her husband's family history was nothing short of remarkable. Generations ago, his ancestors were tobacco farmers in Czechoslovakia. When they immigrated to the United States, they traded their expertise in tobacco for ranching - Angus beef, to be precise - making Texas their new home. It was in Texas that Denise's husband was born and raised before joining the military.

She also discovered a charming quirk in the family's history: a love for recycling names. For generations, every male member of the family bore a variation of three names: Robert, Fred, and Albert.

A Lost Legacy: When 'Someday' Comes Too Late

This wealth of history and identity, preserved for decades, was tragically stolen in an instant. On Christmas Eve, she received a rare and cherished phone call from her husband. Communication with loved ones serving on ships can be sporadic, and this surprise call was her only Christmas wish come true. Overwhelmed with joy, she ran to her car to grab her AirPods, eager to relax and savor the precious conversation. In her excitement, she forgot to lock her car.

The next morning, Denise discovered her car had been broken into. Her designer wallet and her son's iPad were gone, but those could be replaced. The real heartbreak came with the realization that the irreplaceable family history book was also missing.

"I thought I would get to it someday," Denise shared. "It had been safe for over 30 years. I didn't think there was any urgency."

The Importance of Safeguarding Irreplaceable Memories

At 2000 Paces, we've always emphasized the importance of preserving family memories before the unexpected happens. Denise's story is a poignant reminder of why. Despite her best intentions, the opportunity to protect this piece of her family's legacy slipped away in an instant. Yet, through her loss, Denise's commitment to our mission has deepened.

She has shared how this experience has given her an even greater appreciation for the work we do. "It's not just about saving pictures," she says. "It's about protecting stories, legacies, and connections to the past."

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Start Preserving Your Legacy

While we can't turn back time, we can take steps now to safeguard what matters most. Your family photos, videos, and documents tell the story of who you are and where you come from. They're more than just things; they're connections to the past and gifts for the future. Let's not wait for "someday." Let's take action today.

Your family's memories deserve to be protected and cherished for generations. Don't let the unexpected rob you of priceless heirlooms. Contact 2000 Paces Photo Organizing today to start safeguarding your legacy. Together, we'll preserve your history and ensure your memories are never lost to time.