Should I give this pic to Donnie' parents?

[fastfredracing]

I spent this past Friday night cleaning up my office at work. Moved a bookshelf, and this photo of Donnie in my corvette at my first shop fell out of a book I must have stashed it in 18 years ago. I forgot all about it. I welled up pretty good after seeing it.
Donnie's bus stop used to be right in front of my first shop. He would always waddle in after school, and ask dumb questions, and bother the piss out of my landlord and I . We both grew to love this kid. We shared him as a shop grunt. We paid him to clean up around the shop, paint, , clean cars, etc. He became my little buddy, and he hung around for 2 years, working nights after school a few nights a week, and most days in the summer months.
My girlfriend remembers me saying that " if I ever have a kid, I hope his is like Donnie" I find it funny that they have similar looks, and personalities .
I think he was 12-14 when he hung around our place. At his time in his life, he was a good kid, He was a regular honor roll student, and a hard worker. I don't know what happened to him in the next few years, I moved my business, and never really saw him much after that. I guess he got into smack in high school, and a few years later , he was dead
My first thought when I found this photo was to run it over to his parents , and give it to them. It has been about 7 years since his passing. I thought they may appreciate it, but I also don't want to open the floodgates for them . Think I should?

[LeeH]

One of my best friends from high school passed away several years ago. I saw his sister at our 30 year reunion and mentioned I had come across a couple of photos of him. She was so excited and thankful when I sent her copies of several old photos of her brother.

Results will probably vary by person, but I know in my situation, the person who got the photos saw it as a real blessing.

[Rick V]

A memory from the good times would be good and painful at the same time. I guess it all boils down to their mindset.
Beth said you should write a note just like the description of Donnie you gave us, and include it with the photo.

[fast_e_man]

My wife and I lost a 14 year old son 8 years ago. For us, we appreciate knowing that people who knew him are thinking of him today. My wife will most likely shed a few tears and then hug the person who offers the thoughts of our son, wipe away the tears and say thank you.

Unless Donnie's parents are angry and bitter to this day, I'd expect them to sincerely appreciate your gesture.

[Amail]

^this. Wholeheartedly agree.

[Noporscheform]

Yes - you absolutely should - and use it as an opportunity to point out The good things about their son- just as you have done here.

[Oh Haha]

I think the parents would enjoy seeing that pic. Who knows if they even knew how their son impacted YOUR life. Sad story all around but he looks happy as heck in the picture.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Rick V

A memory from the good times would be good and painful at the same time. I guess it all boils down to their mindset.
Beth said you should write a note just like the description of Donnie you gave us, and include it with the photo.

+1

They will appreciate it, Fred.

It's sad when a "good kid" loses their way.

I see it happen all too often...