‘We were having a good day as a family and I foolishly thought I could document it.’: Mom to teen son says ‘I’m learning to smile and take the picture anyway’

“We were having a good day doing one of our favorite activities as a family. The sun was out, and I foolishly thought maybe I could document it.

I’m a picture taker, always have been. My camera roll has fewer and fewer photos the older my son gets. And scrolling through our yesterdays brings me a powerful mix of joy and melancholy.

A quick selfie with my boy to capture time. I knew it wasn’t a sure thing. The odds weren’t in my favor as there were several other people around. When it is just us out on a walk in nature, he’ll usually oblige. This was a public setting though and it made this (and me) embarrassing.

I went for it anyway and this is the result; me and my man-child’s shoulder.

He was annoyed at my request and my attempt. Oh well.

I’m learning to smile and take the picture anyway. I won’t quit trying to get him in the photo with me, but I’m not going to pout if he doesn’t cooperate with my plan.

This is an honest representation of us at this moment in time. In the same place at the same time, but with some distance between us.

I want him to know I still want the picture. I’ll always want to hold tight to moments that pass too quickly, so I’ll always be a picture taker.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Michelle Koch from Minneapolis, MN. Follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook. Submit your story here, and be sure to subscribe to our best love stories here.

Read more stories like this:

‘If I could go back, I would never put you down. I’d enjoy the cuddles, even at 3 a.m. I’d study your little fingers and toes, and soak it all in.’: Mom urges ‘cherish every moment’ with your newborns, ‘You will never get the chance again’

‘I’ll always stop and let strangers see the baby. I see myself in them.’: Mom kindly shares baby, allowing fellow mommies a chance to reminisce

‘We shoot 1000 pictures of the same instant, but we often forget to live it.’: College student urges ‘capture the moment’ rather than the picture

‘I asked my best friend why there were so many crying bloggers on the Internet. Was there nothing else to do while in pain then turn your camera to portrait mode? Now it makes sense to me.’: Woman shares opinion on emotional selfies

Do you know someone who could benefit from this story? Please SHARE on Facebook or Twitter.