My father in law passed away about three weeks ago. As a photographer and daily blogger, life's events that come my way sometimes take on an interesting "twist." I wonder how I might capture the event, talk about it here. I'm sure it's the exact same thing as say a songwriter. Something happens, they write a song about it. James Taylor's classic "Fire and Rain" was written at the death of his friend Suzanne, and he also wrote a song when his brother died.
I of course have many pictures of him. But that wouldn't interest most of my readers, it would just be a picture of a guy they don't know.
I took my camera to his service, which was held at the Moose Lodge near his home. I didn't know what to expect, but I hoped to perhaps capture some great shots of his friends celebrating his life. I did get some, but they weren't really speaking to me.
For several weekends now we have been driving up to his home and clearing out his life, making way for the next owner of his home. This is emotionally and physically hard work (note to self: clear out my own crap so my kids don't have to!). Yesterday we planned that it would hopefully be the last day.
I took my camera with a mind to capture the view from his back deck. This is the special place I remember from going there, having my kids be little toddlers walking on the grass and so on. When it would turn to dusk and the golfers were gone, we'd take the kids down to the green and let them putt. I can still see the look on their faces when they felt that amazing, smooth grass.
I was thinking that a print of this view would be a nice present to my brother-in-law, who helped him buy the home some 17 years ago or so.
And this morning, laying in bed, thinking about what I would post today, the answer came easily. Grandpa's view. A lovely image, lots of memories, just how I want to remember that place and him.
If you want to comment, or read a little more about him, click on the continue link and I'll tell a good story.
What we would do in the afternoon is sit out on the deck, or the kids' Grandma and I would play games with my kids. We'd have a glass of wine or two. There was a peacefulness there. I think it comes across in the image.
Dave knew every every golfer going by. This was the first green. Usually they'd wave as they got to the green, and then greet us when they finished the hole:
Golfer: Dave old buddy, how you doing today?
Dave: Well Ed, I'm pretty good. In fact, from the looks of things, I'm doing a whole lot better than your short game!
Golfer: Betty, can't you feed him or something? He's ornery today.
Dave: Ha Ha Ha Ed, yeah we are going to eat good tonight. You have a good game.
And so it went. A good time had by all.
At Dave's service we learned of some special things he had done for the community, things he never talked about. It was nice to learn that he had made a contribution. He lived life on his own terms, he was good to a lot of people, and it was his time to go. R.I.P Dave!
