I've been scrapbooking since January, 2001; however, I tried to scrapbook for a couple of years before that. I went to crops with friends and just sat and visited.

Just before my Dads birthday (February 1) we found out that he was dying of lung cancer. His birthday was fast approaching. I struggled with the question, "What do you give a dying man?"

I was at a movie with my husband  There was a small clip in the movie where a young man looked into a small room and saw an album laid opened up. He flipped through the album and photos. In my minds eye I saw this older man's life going through the years as the younger generation looked on. A big light went on in my mind and I knew what I wanted to do for my Dad's birthday gift.

I quickly ran to the lobby and called a dear friend. I told her what was happening, and I wanted to make my Dad an album of his life. She thought that sounded very nice and asked when was his birthday. I informed her that it was on Thursday, this was already Monday evening.

For the next three days my kids and I pretty much moved into my friend's house and scrapbooked. On Thursday evening we literally ran from my friends with a finished 12x12 album. After dinner I gave my Dad his gift. Dad had everything and it was hard to buy for him. This time I had a winner. He couldn't believe it. Somehow I had been able to capture who my Dad was in his lifetime. He could see the fruit of his hard work all those years.

For the next short two and half months Dad enjoyed looking through his life and seeing the family that loved him so. Lots of family came and enjoyed the album. Lifelong friends had a conversation piece while they visited and said goodbye to their friend.

My Dad passed away in April that year. Then Mom was able to cherish all their years as she reminisced looking through the pictures.

My wish to give Dad the perfect gift has led me to a new passion in my life. Over the last three years I have bought enough scrapbooking tools to supply a wonderful scrapbook room. Opening a crop room has been a dream until now, and Dad just keeps playing a part in all of this. I grew up in retail downtown Chillicothe. I am so excited to be able to return to downtown.

It is my desire to share this passion with you. If you are new to scrapbooking, I am excited to help you get started. If you are a veteran, I want to pamper you with the best cropping experience.

Since I started scrapbooking my relationships with the women in my circle of life has grown so much and to a more meaningful, deeper level. My sister and I were able to share wonderful scrapbooking moments with our Mom before she passed away in 2002. Our daughters have begun scrapbooking with us. We have formed deep friendships while sharing this hobby.