Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Special Olympics Moment
Yesterday I had the honor of being on a team of three photographers shooting the Arizona Special Olympics Triathlon in Scottsdale. Wow!! It was a good time, HOT, but good.
I'm in the process of trying to edit my 800+ photos. I have some of them and I will post a few when I get a chance.
I wanted to share with you a special moment that will stay with me for a very long time.
It was hot, but not as hot as it would have been earlier in the summer or later that same day. At the end of the day, after the awards ceremony there was but a remnant of people left behind.
I had taken refuge under the shade of a tree and was putting my socks and shoes back on after being able to soak them in the pool during the closing awards ceremony.
A little boy and his parents came and stood beside me. The little guy was probably 8 or 9 and a special needs child. His father tried to hand him his shirt to put on and that was all it took to unleash the dam of tears.
He had not received an award!
He was heart broken and began to sob as his mother held him. All he could say was, "I wanted a prize. I wanted a prize." His mother's comfort was doing nothing to alleviate his pain.
I love God moments. Lately they seem to be few and far between for me.
I had a prize for the boy.
I turned to him and told him, "I have a prize for you that no one else here today received. Do you want it?"
His eyes got a bit wide as he withdrew his head from his momma's chest and slowly walked the 4-feet over to me.
I reached out my arms and I embraced him. I told him that I had not hugged anyone that day and that he was the only one there who would get this prize. No one else; just him.
It was not a quick hug. I held him tight for about 30-seconds. No more tears. No more breathing heavily; just quiet. I looked down at his face as he melted into me.
When I let him go, he thanked me, turned and walked up the stairs to leave. His mom looked at me, gave me a big smile and turned around, placed her arm around her son and walked up the stairs with him. He received a prize. Acknowledgment for just being himself. A treasure!!
I'm in the process of trying to edit my 800+ photos. I have some of them and I will post a few when I get a chance.
I wanted to share with you a special moment that will stay with me for a very long time.
It was hot, but not as hot as it would have been earlier in the summer or later that same day. At the end of the day, after the awards ceremony there was but a remnant of people left behind.
I had taken refuge under the shade of a tree and was putting my socks and shoes back on after being able to soak them in the pool during the closing awards ceremony.
A little boy and his parents came and stood beside me. The little guy was probably 8 or 9 and a special needs child. His father tried to hand him his shirt to put on and that was all it took to unleash the dam of tears.
He had not received an award!
He was heart broken and began to sob as his mother held him. All he could say was, "I wanted a prize. I wanted a prize." His mother's comfort was doing nothing to alleviate his pain.
I love God moments. Lately they seem to be few and far between for me.
I had a prize for the boy.
I turned to him and told him, "I have a prize for you that no one else here today received. Do you want it?"
His eyes got a bit wide as he withdrew his head from his momma's chest and slowly walked the 4-feet over to me.
I reached out my arms and I embraced him. I told him that I had not hugged anyone that day and that he was the only one there who would get this prize. No one else; just him.
It was not a quick hug. I held him tight for about 30-seconds. No more tears. No more breathing heavily; just quiet. I looked down at his face as he melted into me.
When I let him go, he thanked me, turned and walked up the stairs to leave. His mom looked at me, gave me a big smile and turned around, placed her arm around her son and walked up the stairs with him. He received a prize. Acknowledgment for just being himself. A treasure!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Can Saturday come any slower??
I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming shoot on Saturday, but it is difficult. Have this nice long lens just waiting to get out there and get some great shots of the Special Olympics athletes in all their glory as they cross the finish line for their triathlon.
Check back at the first part of next week and I will post some of my favorite shots for you to take a peek at.
Check back at the first part of next week and I will post some of my favorite shots for you to take a peek at.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
More Lightning
Phoenix can be a bit freaky when it comes to lightning storms. This rolled through last night and there was no rain. Gotta love our monsoon!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hope for a hardened heart
Do men like this really exist?? When I read the following, I thought it was an excerpt from a book entitled, "The Blissful Art of Being and Breathing". It was not. It is from a blog. You can find the link at the bottom of the page.
All I have to say is, "Angel, you have a keeper. Hold tight and enjoy the ride!"
_______________________________________________________________________
**One warm evening nine years ago…
After spending nearly every waking minute with Angel for eight straight days, I knew that I had to tell her just one thing. So late at night, just before she fell asleep, I whispered it in her ear. She smiled… the kind of smile that makes me smile back. And she said, “When I’m seventy-five, and I think about my life and what it was like to be young, I hope that I can remember this very moment.”
A few seconds later she closed her eyes and fell asleep. The room was peaceful… almost silent. All I could hear was the soft purr of her breathing. I stayed awake thinking about the time we’d spent together and all the choices in our lives that made this moment possible. And at some point, I realized that it didn’t matter what we’d done or where we’d gone. Nor did the future hold any significance.
All that mattered was the serenity of the moment.
Just being with her and breathing with her.
**From the blog: Mark and Angel Hack Life
All I have to say is, "Angel, you have a keeper. Hold tight and enjoy the ride!"
_______________________________________________________________________
**One warm evening nine years ago…
After spending nearly every waking minute with Angel for eight straight days, I knew that I had to tell her just one thing. So late at night, just before she fell asleep, I whispered it in her ear. She smiled… the kind of smile that makes me smile back. And she said, “When I’m seventy-five, and I think about my life and what it was like to be young, I hope that I can remember this very moment.”
A few seconds later she closed her eyes and fell asleep. The room was peaceful… almost silent. All I could hear was the soft purr of her breathing. I stayed awake thinking about the time we’d spent together and all the choices in our lives that made this moment possible. And at some point, I realized that it didn’t matter what we’d done or where we’d gone. Nor did the future hold any significance.
All that mattered was the serenity of the moment.
Just being with her and breathing with her.
**From the blog: Mark and Angel Hack Life
Friday, September 4, 2009
Playing with my rented toy.
I'm part of a photography group on Facebook and about 2-weeks ago I received a friend request from someone I didn't know. After looking at his profile and seeing that he was another photographer I went ahead and accepted his request. I'm so happy I did.
Jasen is trying to put together a team of photographers and one of the first events he was asking for help on was something I could really get behind, the Special Olympics Triathlon.
It's not a paid gig, but as most of you know, my heart is for volunteering for worthwhile ministries and organizations. I jumped at the chance.
Unfortunately, I don't have a long lens required to shoot the event. The good news is I was once again able to rent a 70-200mm f2.8 lens from the good folks at borrowlenses.com. This is the same company I rented the lens for my shoot in Yosemite with the Aperture Nature Photography trip back in January.
I waited with baited breath today for my package to be delivered. Of course it was delivered when the lighting was at its worse, not to mention the hottest part of the day.
So, when the light was a bit better, I shot what was available, the family pets. Well, I did take it down the road for a couple of shots too.
I have to tell ya, I love this lens!!! I can't wait until the 12th when I get to capture some great shot of some amazing athletes. I'll post some of the photos here so keep an eye out.
Late night addition. This little guy loves it when I leave my outside light on. He can eat till his belly is bulgin'.
Jasen is trying to put together a team of photographers and one of the first events he was asking for help on was something I could really get behind, the Special Olympics Triathlon.
It's not a paid gig, but as most of you know, my heart is for volunteering for worthwhile ministries and organizations. I jumped at the chance.
Unfortunately, I don't have a long lens required to shoot the event. The good news is I was once again able to rent a 70-200mm f2.8 lens from the good folks at borrowlenses.com. This is the same company I rented the lens for my shoot in Yosemite with the Aperture Nature Photography trip back in January.
I waited with baited breath today for my package to be delivered. Of course it was delivered when the lighting was at its worse, not to mention the hottest part of the day.
So, when the light was a bit better, I shot what was available, the family pets. Well, I did take it down the road for a couple of shots too.
I have to tell ya, I love this lens!!! I can't wait until the 12th when I get to capture some great shot of some amazing athletes. I'll post some of the photos here so keep an eye out.
Late night addition. This little guy loves it when I leave my outside light on. He can eat till his belly is bulgin'.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Final farewell
Today was a day of celebration. A celebration of Bill's life. It was evident that Bill, and Susan, have touched many lives when people were asked to stand if Bill impacted their life. Out of about 400 people, more than half of them stood.
It was therapeutic for me to work on the memorial video because I had pretty much worked through my emotions which allowed me to focus on my camera work.
There was one part of the service where I broke down.
Bill served in the Air Force and the color guard was there to honor his service to our country. Prior to the service I approached the three service men and had the honor of shaking their hand and thanking them for their service and that it meant a lot for them to be there to honor this amazing man. All three of them thanked me.
When the service began, two of the guard marched down to the front of the worship center and displayed the American flag. They displayed the unfolded flag as taps was played from the back of the worship center.
I was moved.
Even with this display of respect, I cannot help but think of the type of honor guard Bill had when he arrived home. Powerful!!!
Bill Jr. and Ginger, Bill's children spoke fondly of their father. He was such a wise man. An open mic was an invitation for people to share how Bill touched their lives. So many amazing and funny stories.
Over all, it was a celebration of Bill's life. There were tears. There were hugs. However, there was also laughter and joy. And I know that is how Bill would have wanted it.
He was a simple servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and he counted it an honor to represent Him to people he came in contact with it the same unconditional love as Christ shows each of us.
Smiling Susan. Isn't she stunning?!
Bill Jr. Looks just like his Dad.
Lot's of hugs!
It was therapeutic for me to work on the memorial video because I had pretty much worked through my emotions which allowed me to focus on my camera work.
There was one part of the service where I broke down.
Bill served in the Air Force and the color guard was there to honor his service to our country. Prior to the service I approached the three service men and had the honor of shaking their hand and thanking them for their service and that it meant a lot for them to be there to honor this amazing man. All three of them thanked me.
When the service began, two of the guard marched down to the front of the worship center and displayed the American flag. They displayed the unfolded flag as taps was played from the back of the worship center.
I was moved.
Even with this display of respect, I cannot help but think of the type of honor guard Bill had when he arrived home. Powerful!!!
Bill Jr. and Ginger, Bill's children spoke fondly of their father. He was such a wise man. An open mic was an invitation for people to share how Bill touched their lives. So many amazing and funny stories.
Over all, it was a celebration of Bill's life. There were tears. There were hugs. However, there was also laughter and joy. And I know that is how Bill would have wanted it.
He was a simple servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and he counted it an honor to represent Him to people he came in contact with it the same unconditional love as Christ shows each of us.
Smiling Susan. Isn't she stunning?!
Bill Jr. Looks just like his Dad.
Lot's of hugs!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Bill and Susan
When I was at home, I looked and looked through all my files to find the pictures that I had taken of Bill and Susan out in the Prayer garden at church last August. I had their individual photos, but couldn't find their couples photos. With all the hard drive problems I have been having, I thought for sure I had lost them.
However, I was very thankful to come into my old work computer and find the original photos.
I have shown you how handsome Bill was and his contagious smile and now, for those of you who don't know the two of them, you can see what a handsome couple they made. They compliment each other in every way possible and walked the journey of life tackling every struggle, rejoicing every accomplishment, learning to love and forgive, and growing more like Christ with every passing day. All of this was done TOGETHER.
In as much as it pains me to think of saying Susan with out Bill's name preceding it, I find comfort in knowing that Jesus has, and will, always go before her. And I know she finds comfort in that knowledge.
I love you Bill.
I love you Susan.
However, I was very thankful to come into my old work computer and find the original photos.
I have shown you how handsome Bill was and his contagious smile and now, for those of you who don't know the two of them, you can see what a handsome couple they made. They compliment each other in every way possible and walked the journey of life tackling every struggle, rejoicing every accomplishment, learning to love and forgive, and growing more like Christ with every passing day. All of this was done TOGETHER.
In as much as it pains me to think of saying Susan with out Bill's name preceding it, I find comfort in knowing that Jesus has, and will, always go before her. And I know she finds comfort in that knowledge.
I love you Bill.
I love you Susan.
Monday, August 10, 2009
More about Bill
As most of you know, I lost my job at the church way back in March. Because I moved so far away, I'm out of the loop on most of what is going on with people.
I had heard that Bill was in the hospital around Easter, but had heard that he had recovered and heard nothing more. That is until yesterday.
I still am the main camera operator for all four Sunday services at church and yesterday when I returned from lunch, Don was standing at the top of the stairs. He simply told me, "Bill passed away today around 12:30."
I had no idea who he was talking about. "Bill who?"
He had a puzzled look on his face mixed with a bit of horror as he realized that I didn't know about Bill being diagnosed with cancer.
It was not unusual for Bill and Susan to spend every weekend up in the high country during the summer months and that is where I thought they were weekend after weekend. I would look for them every weekend, and this weekend was no different. I scanned the hundreds of people looking for those two familiar faces and to hear their comforting southern drawl.
Don apologized to me. He thought I knew. I didn't. I was in shock. No tears, only questions. The flood gates would open about an hour later when the news started to sink in.
I worked mainly with Susan on a large video project for her ministry and I had a couple of shoots at their house. I enjoyed speaking to Bill. There have only been two men in my life where simply hearing the sound of their voice has an amazing calming effect on me and Bill was one of them.
I sat at my computer and wept. I didn't cry, I wept! Snot bubbles and all. I'm thankful that I did not have to be on camera for the entire evening service yesterday, only for worship. I sat on my camera perch with a box of tissues at my feet and wept during worship.
I didn't know what to do. I wanted to give Susan a big hug and just hold her, but I didn't want to intrude. I didn't get to do that with my friend, who's momma passed just a month ago and never really felt like I had closure with that loss.
I drove to Bill and Susan's house and was met by their son, Bill Jr.. He looks just like his Dad! It actually took me back to see him.
I was able to hug Susan and just hold her. We talked and she told me about the past four months and how amazing God had been during that time. The people at the hospital would come in and just sit with Bill because there was something calm and peaceful about him.
He touched peoples lives right up to his departure.
I don't know how I'm going to get through the service on Saturday. I have already committed to be on camera for Susan and record this memory for her, a celebration of Bill's life. I told her that when we spoke and she told me we would get through it together.
I found one more photo I had taken of Bill almost a year ago exactly. Once again, you see his contagious smile. If you didn't have an opportunity to know him, I'm sorry for you. For those of us who had the blessing to know him, our lives will never be the same. I will miss him, but celebrate that he is worshiping with Christ, his Lord and King.
I had heard that Bill was in the hospital around Easter, but had heard that he had recovered and heard nothing more. That is until yesterday.
I still am the main camera operator for all four Sunday services at church and yesterday when I returned from lunch, Don was standing at the top of the stairs. He simply told me, "Bill passed away today around 12:30."
I had no idea who he was talking about. "Bill who?"
He had a puzzled look on his face mixed with a bit of horror as he realized that I didn't know about Bill being diagnosed with cancer.
It was not unusual for Bill and Susan to spend every weekend up in the high country during the summer months and that is where I thought they were weekend after weekend. I would look for them every weekend, and this weekend was no different. I scanned the hundreds of people looking for those two familiar faces and to hear their comforting southern drawl.
Don apologized to me. He thought I knew. I didn't. I was in shock. No tears, only questions. The flood gates would open about an hour later when the news started to sink in.
I worked mainly with Susan on a large video project for her ministry and I had a couple of shoots at their house. I enjoyed speaking to Bill. There have only been two men in my life where simply hearing the sound of their voice has an amazing calming effect on me and Bill was one of them.
I sat at my computer and wept. I didn't cry, I wept! Snot bubbles and all. I'm thankful that I did not have to be on camera for the entire evening service yesterday, only for worship. I sat on my camera perch with a box of tissues at my feet and wept during worship.
I didn't know what to do. I wanted to give Susan a big hug and just hold her, but I didn't want to intrude. I didn't get to do that with my friend, who's momma passed just a month ago and never really felt like I had closure with that loss.
I drove to Bill and Susan's house and was met by their son, Bill Jr.. He looks just like his Dad! It actually took me back to see him.
I was able to hug Susan and just hold her. We talked and she told me about the past four months and how amazing God had been during that time. The people at the hospital would come in and just sit with Bill because there was something calm and peaceful about him.
He touched peoples lives right up to his departure.
I don't know how I'm going to get through the service on Saturday. I have already committed to be on camera for Susan and record this memory for her, a celebration of Bill's life. I told her that when we spoke and she told me we would get through it together.
I found one more photo I had taken of Bill almost a year ago exactly. Once again, you see his contagious smile. If you didn't have an opportunity to know him, I'm sorry for you. For those of us who had the blessing to know him, our lives will never be the same. I will miss him, but celebrate that he is worshiping with Christ, his Lord and King.
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