The world has changed so much in the way we keep our memories. These days, most of our photos live on our phones, in the cloud, or somewhere on a hard drive we promise ourselves we’ll organize “someday.” And while digital photos are wonderful for sharing quickly, they’ll never replace the feeling of holding a print in your hands.

This summer, my mom spent a few months back in my home country where I grew up. Before she returned, she kept asking, “What would you like me to bring back for you?” And my answer was simple: my old albums of the kids.

She had printed so many photos of my children—her grandkids—that I never got around to printing myself. When I opened those albums, it felt like stepping back in time. Turning each page, feeling the texture of the prints, and seeing those little everyday moments captured forever—it was priceless.

But the best part? Watching my kids. They sat together flipping through the albums, laughing at their tiny selves, pointing out things they remembered (and many they didn’t). They couldn’t stop looking. Their joy reminded me: photos are meant to be held, shared, and cherished—not just scrolled past.

Albums and prints have a way of making memories real. They don’t get lost in forgotten folders or disappear when technology changes. They live on your bookshelf, your coffee table, your hands. They become a part of your family’s story.

That’s why I always encourage families to print their photos. Because one day, your kids (or grandkids) will thank you for giving them something they can hold onto forever.