It’s been twelve short years since my father went for a run and ran straight to heaven. That’s the way my sister tells the story and I like that version best. He was 52, an amazing man, artist, and my very best friend.
This is the last photograph ever taken of my father and a constant reminder of why I do what I do. I took the photo on a short hike in the hills of upstate NY just a few days before he died. It was my goal to get a great photograph of my father that day. Maybe some kind of portrait showing how well he was aging and all the characteristics of his face. I wanted to “see” him more since I lived far from home in Colorado.
But it never happened…..I just didn’t want to disturb our hike together, it was perfect just the way it was. I guess this is the documentarian in me. There was beauty in our hike I wanted to capture it. So, as my father seemed to steady in his pace (he had quite the pace–always leaving my mother in the dust by mistake), I took a knee and made this image. He never even knew I took this frame and now when I think of him this is the image I see. Taking a peaceful walk in the woods, with our good friend Chase, embracing its beauty.
Words could never describe how wonderful a man my father was. The way he chose to carry himself and the way he made people feel. From time to time he would wear a smiley face sticker on his shirt just to inspire a positive reaction from others. Always striving to be a better man himself, I often wonder if he had any idea what a success he really was.
Love ya Dad. : )
{ 11 comments }
