Can You See Dustin's Footprint
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203396)
Nashville, Tennessee
November 4, 2022 4:19pm CST
My cousin found this photo and shared with me just now. I cannot believe it. This is Dustin's (my son that has passed) footprint. We lived across the street from my uncle for several years. Dustin was a baby when we moved there, and was there until he was about twelve years old.
When they had a new driveway installed, I remember Dustin wanted his footprints in the wet cement. This is something many did during that time. They would write the name and date as well. So they said yes, of course. He was a favorite child to my aunt and uncle. They treated him like a grandchild. Such special days.
We went over for coffee on many days. My aunt had a special cookie jar with windmill cookies. (I found these cookies a few months ago in the store. Had to buy them.) Dustin loved them. Every time we went, he would ask if he could please have a cookie. And of course, the answer was alway yes. He was around two years old with his footprints, if not younger.
You have no idea the smiles and tears I have had today remembering these times. My cousin promised to stay in touch. His father (my Dad's brother) just turned 88. And is doing good. I talked to him a few minutes as well. He has survived a heart attack with a quadruple bypass surgery and Covid. It was like talking to my Dad to hear his voice.
Photo emailed from cousin.
39 people like this
36 responses
@Happy2BeMe (99353)
• Canada
4 Nov 22
Awwwe that is precious and I can only imagine how emotional you were to see that photo. Tjanks for sharing thw wonderful memory with us. Your cousins Dad is tough. That is a lot to go through. Nice that you got to talk to them.
6 people like this
@kaylachan (84736)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
4 Nov 22
@CarolDM I think I do. I've talked about losing cats, but I lost both my parents before I was 19. I would love to have something like that to remember the good times. I also remember doing the same with some cement tiles we had.
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
4 Nov 22
@kaylachan That is great to hear. So very sorry about your losses as well. Seeing this photo took me back many years ago. A part of Dustin right here.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
4 Nov 22
Your cousin's Father is a survivor!
Such sweet memories so comforting for you Carol. RIP the beautiful Dustin
This is very precious. I am glad you have it now.
This is very precious. I am glad you have it now.4 people like this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
4 Nov 22
@RebeccasFarm Over the moon happy right now.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208801)
• United States
5 Nov 22
That is beautiful and such a great memento. Those windmill cookies always seemed to be around, and nowadays they are hard to find. I haven't seen them in awhile.
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
5 Nov 22
Oh my gosh, what a beautiful memory for both you and your cousin, too! This is truly amazing, Dustin's footprint in their cement driveway:) Dustin is smiling, also
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
5 Nov 22
@CarolDM Those beautiful years you enjoyed together, will never be forgotten!
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
5 Nov 22
@kobesbuddy I wil liever forget.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
5 Nov 22
That's a sweet memory indeed to live and move along.
2 people like this
@aninditasen (18198)
• Raurkela, India
6 Nov 22
@CarolDM You are happy with his memories, pictures and other belongings that's the way you are moving along in life.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
6 Nov 22
@aninditasen Memories keep me going every day.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222285)
• United States
5 Nov 22
What a special find. I'm sure the memories were bittersweet for you. I hope they were mainly positive.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222285)
• United States
6 Nov 22
@CarolDM I'm glad you can remember the good times.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
6 Nov 22
@LindaOHio I am too. That keeps me going.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (59149)
•
5 Nov 22
So very special to you, I'm sure. I am so glad you got the picture.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (59149)
•
5 Nov 22
@CarolDM
I do know how much it would mean to me to get such an item of a footprint or handprint of my lost son. I didn't get to love him very long, but I still think of him often. I know I am fortunate to have other children, and I truly hurt for you that your boy isn't with you, Carol.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56227)
• Canada
5 Nov 22
What a dear and sweet memory and story surrounding it.
And such an adorable little foot with those 5 little toes. 
I just love that your cousin shared this photo with you.
His Dad sounds like quite a trooper, its good that you have that connection to your past, your Dad and to Dustin.
I just love that your cousin shared this photo with you.
His Dad sounds like quite a trooper, its good that you have that connection to your past, your Dad and to Dustin.2 people like this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
5 Nov 22
So special. I cannot describe the emotions I felt. I was so happy to see this photo after so many years. Look at those little toes. His Dad has always taken care of himself. Still around. Like talking to my Dad. Very special. Thoughts are with you as well.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (91044)
• United States
5 Nov 22
That certainly is a treasured photo Carol and I can imagine how much joy you felt seeing it. Who knew back in the day that that footprint would be so heartfelt years later. I remember those windmill cookies too. It's nice to know that they were Dustins favorite.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91044)
• United States
7 Nov 22
@CarolDM I know you miss Dustin every single but isnt it funny how a simple thing like those cookies can bring back a flood of memories.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
7 Nov 22
@Marilynda1225 Yes it is for sure. For days after, and still now, my emotional mind is still going all over the place. Even though all of this of course makes me miss him more, I am so thankful for this sweet memory. Another piece of him. Thank you for always understanding, and your kindness and support mean so much.
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
5 Nov 22
Aww! That's precious. I felt choked reading this post.Dustin brought happiness to so many and has left so many fond memories for everyone.
I wish your uncle many more years of happy and healthy life
Dustin brought happiness to so many and has left so many fond memories for everyone.
I wish your uncle many more years of happy and healthy life1 person likes this
