In this episode of Things That Matter, I, Jill Yesko, shared a heartfelt story about a cherished childhood photo and its unexpected journey back to me.

I talked about my early life and my godfather, Uncle Jack. He captured a special photograph of me in 1972, a picture that went missing for 35 years. I described how the photo was significant to me, not just because it was a glimpse into my past, but also because it represented my contemplative, pensive childhood.

My personality, quiet and serious, often left me misunderstood, even by my own family. Despite this, the photograph, always tucked away in drawers and never framed, held a deep place in my heart. Years passed, and after a period of estrangement from my mother, I believed I might never see that picture again.

Then, out of the blue, during a visit to my ailing father in St. Louis, my stepmother handed me a package from Uncle Jack. Miraculously, he had found the negative and developed the photo, sending it to my stepmom because he didn’t have my address. Opening that envelope and seeing my younger self brought an overwhelming rush of emotions, transporting me back in time. Since then, the photo has taken its rightful place on my fridge, protected and cherished.

I also reflected on how people often see me as an extrovert, while in reality, I am quite introspective. This mix-up is common, particularly within our community of photo managers, who understand the importance of presenting ourselves but know it doesn’t necessarily mean we live as extroverts. Sharing this personal story was a meaningful experience, and I hope it resonates with others who may have similar journeys.