60 Years of Memories Book

Last week was my dad’s 60th birthday. A few months ago, I saw an idea online of collecting “60 Years of Memories” from friends and family. The blog I read it on collected the stories and photos and put them in 60 envelopes. I decided I wanted to make a book – something that could be displayed and shared a little more easily than envelopes.

In February, I sent out emails, Facebook messages, and snail mail to every family member and friend I could think of. Over the last four months, stories and photos have trickled in and I was able to make a really great gift for a man who has everything.

These pictures are actually of the “first draft” of the book. The printer made a mistake and I won’t have the hardbound, leather copy for a few more days. Luckily I was able to get a temporary copy so as to not miss his birthday milestone.

 I didn’t ever count the number of responses I got, but the book ended up being about 75 pages long.

 I started with a photo of him and I and explained that this started out as a gift for him but I have quickly decided it was a gift for me, too. What an amazing way for me to learn so much about my dad!

 Somehow, in the midst of moving, I was able to dig out a bunch of old photos. Here’s my dad in elementary school, and a handwritten note from one of his brothers.

And more photos of him as a pre-teen.

 One of my dad’s sisters also sent a bunch of photos along with some fun stories about him and all of his 5 surviving siblings and many siblings-in-law all sent great memories from his childhood and early adulthood. 

One of the things I LOVE about this project is that the book is a mix of so many different elements – some photos, some typed stories, some newspaper clippings, some handwritten notes, and some artwork. Since my youngest is too young to express his memories about Grampa, we had him make a painting instead.

 One of the greatest letters in the book is from my dad’s friend Dave. They were in the military together and he has known my dad for a very long time. Great stories! And when I searched for the old family and school photos, I also came across this great 40-year-old newspaper clipping announcing my dad’s Air Force basic training. How cool is that?

But I think my favorite part of the book is from my daughter. When I asked her what she thinks about when she thinks about her Grampa, she remembered this picture and here’s what she had to say.

Adorable?

Happy birthday, dad! I hope you love your book as much as I do! Can’t wait to give you the hardbound version very soon. XOXO.