Reaction Paper #1

Miracle by Kim Zorn Caputo

My initial reaction to this article was that it is kind of out there. I had a hard time creating a

mental image of clipping toenails and thinking of pools. But then that isn't the point of the

article. I think the point is that a simple image can bring back a memory. And I have to say

that I agree. I know every time I look at pictures of my son as a baby, I can see him

smiling with his chubby little cheeks and 2 teeth. It scrolls through my mind like a

video clip. And I feel a rush of love for him. It is amazing that an image can bring

back such strong feelings.

I think my favorite image in the collection of pictures, is the photo by Lee Friedlander. His

photo of the old tree is very detailed. I like that it is in black and white. I look at this tree and

how twisted and knotted it is, the branches bare, like it is winter time. The roots are deep in

the ground, yet the tree is so old that the root system is showing. And I think that is exactly

like a memory. Your oldest memories are deep and intertwined with other memories.

And yet, some are stand alone memories, just like the branches of the tree. If you cut this

tree down you could count the rings....all there showing how old the tree is. Again, just like

memories, counting the years and events in your life.