preserve loved memories
Mason's make private media makes me wonder if you have home videos of your family and friends, which you can revisit at your leisure. When is the last time you filmed them for the joy of it, let alone without the convenience of a smartphone camera?
Yet, I don't think performative recordings should be outright avoided. Even when preceded by calls to "smile", such pictures and videos can adopt much coveted sentimentality over time.
The Internet makes people's availability ever illusive. In many cases, they're a text message, phone call, or social media message away from being reached... until they're not. People don't live forever. Do you have their essence not only saved, but backed up for yourself and future generations to enjoy?
That reminded me of Kev recalling what remains from his father in I Wish I Could Talk to My Dad:
I had a dream about my dad last night, the first I've had in a while. The dream was nothing special, I don't even fully remember what happened in it. But what I do vividly remember was that his voice wasn't right. And then I realised, I don't remember what my Dad's voice sounded like.
I have no videos of him, and no recordings on his voice. For a year or so after he died, I used to call his phone as it would go straight to voicemail and I'd get to hear his voice. Eventually the line was cut though. I wish I'd recorded it, just to have something.
I don't even have many photos of him. Most of them are from when I was a baby. I only have 1 photo of him and I as adults, which was taken on the day I passed out of basic training in the Army.
Making private media can also go beyond serving Kev's desires, catering to family, friends, or even the grand scheme of history itself. What can you do to preserve the essence of people, places, and moments you love today and from here on out?