Age Progression as a Resource? Is It for You?

Yesterday, I ordered an age progressed photo of Kitty.  This is the third year I have done this.  Her first birthday was just three months after the accident, so I knew what she looked like and - even though I know she would have grown and changed in three months - I could still picture how she looked.  But by the time Kitty's second birthday approached, I was really curious.  Would she look like her big sister?  Or more like her mom?  A need was rumbling inside me and it was something I just had to do.

I did a lot of research on age progression software v. the one company I found that provides this service and decided that having Kitty's photo progressed by the pros was the way to go.  It would be more accurate than anything I could do with the software and it would probably take less time.

But, before I started my order, out of respect, I needed to make sure my daughter was OK with it.  I would have placed the order no matter what her reaction was because it was something I wanted and the finished photo would have just stayed private.  With her blessing, however, I could share with her and anyone else who understood my desire for these age progressions.

It was an odd phenomenon - the guys didn't want to see the finished product.  But my daughters and daughter-in-law were all excited to see what Kitty would look like at age 2.  So yesterday, for the third time, I have placed my order so I can give both my daughter and myself a gift on Kitty's 4th birthday this April.

It may be an odd type of resource, but recalling Webster's definition of 'resource' I posted on the Resource page, these photos are something I use to help me all of the time.  I keep a wallet size picture of Kitty in my purse and when someone asks to see - or I just want to show off - pictures of my grandchildren, her picture comes out with the other six kids.  If I'm showing someone who knows about Kitty's death, they seem to understand (at least I think they do) and if they have no idea about Kitty, there's no need to explain.  I keep a copy of the photo on the dresser in my bedroom and I get to see her every day.  It's something that helps me cope.

The website 'The Grief Toolbox' is where I discovered my connection to age progressed photos.  Phojoe is the provider.  You can order from either the Toolbox or directly from Phojoe.  Helpful hint: Phojoe partners with The Compassionate Friends (TCF) and offers a coupon code for 15% savings if you mention the TCF discount code.

I will be adding links to 'The Grief Toolbox' and to Phojoe on our Resources page.  Maybe you're interested, maybe not.  But it will be there for anyone who has rumblings.