The only downside to my photography

Sorry to rant. But it seems easier to vent to like minded strangers.

I am the only photography buff. In an extremely large family. I have hundreds of pictures of all of my family members from over the years.
Because of this. I always have the designated job of creating slide shows for thier memorials.

I have always found this to be quite an honor for my extended family. But two years ago my brother passed. And it was heart wrenching going through the photos. And reliving so many memories and emotions so soon after his passing.

Now I find myself once again proud that I have captured so many memories and emotions over the years. As my mother is in her last few days of brain cancer.
But the process of sorting her pictures and creating a slideshow now begins.

Sorry to rant. But figured a few of you might have found yourself in my position. And might understand, without thinking I am being rediculous.

I understand, went through the same thing with my Dad two years ago. With the exception of when my mom's time comes, all other relatives will get any pics I have emailed to them so they can make it themselves. Being one of the FEW dependable relatives gets very annoying, I have started to say no and putting things back on those who should SHARE the burden of such things.

Good luck with all you are going through, sorry to hear of your impending loss.

You have my sympathy.

Now I find myself once again proud that I have captured so many memories and emotions over the years. As my mother is in her last few days of brain cancer.
But the process of sorting her pictures and creating a slideshow now begins.

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I understand this well, Stumprat. When my mom died, it was the photos that got me through my grief and mourning. As a matter of fact, that morning, as I was picking up a folder, a photo of her that I had printed to frame, fell out. I took it the year before she died . . . she was smiling and holding her Nikon F . . . she was always photographing me in my adventures. It is my favorite photo because that's how I remember her . . . happy and photographing. so it is framed and hangs on my wall.

Photos can be an incredible source of comfort. They always were and are for me. It's important to go through the whole process of grieving/mourning, and photos certainly trigger the emotions that one needs to feel before coming out ok on the other side. By doing this task, you're just starting on the path to healing sooner.

My thoughts are with you, and what a gift of love you're giving to your own mother and your family by doing this.

I ended up doing a DVD for my wifes family 6 yrs ago. We had a rough 8 months. My sister in-law passed at 44yrs with a massive heart attack. 3 months later my mother in-law with parkinsons and ostio. 2 months after that my father in-law with lung and liver cancer. my wife also lost an Aunt, a cousin, her Godmother and grandmother in those same months. I decided to go through the families pictures and do the DVD. Talk about a hard time. I still cry everytime we see it. I'm right there with you.

I was raised by my grand parents and they were my world. I loved them dearly. Several years ago I had photographed my grand parents quite a bit and shot video at one Christmas gathering. I am glad I did because it is all I have of both of them, as their home burned to the ground not long after my grand mother passed on. Those few photographs I have and that video are what stop the heart ache when I get to missing them.

I empathize stumprat I am glad you got that done.

The hardest thing I have ever done is photograph my father in laws funeral. he was a very precious man in my life, so when my mother in law, who has always been a big supporter ask if I could and would be able to do it I bit my lip and did. with the hardest tears in my eyes I managed to shoot through the pain. but the best reward that comes from all of it was that had it not been for me and the photo nut I am they would not of had any photos to use for the viewing and service. through all the stop taking my photo and are you pointing that at me agains, I never once regret going out of my way to sneak the little moments. to this day my best one are from the funeral. I feel so lucky to have the talent I have even if it comes as a expect from other family members for me to always have my camera where ever I go.
these are not only the memories that we do this for but the rewards after its all said and done. A smile that will never be left behind when we are.

Hugs for you at this difficult time.

Thank you for all the responses. I do feel very fortunate to have so many memories immortalized in photograph.
But going through these photos took me to the point of being a pressure cooker, and just had to vent. Most people just don't understand how emotionally attatched you can get to some of these photos.