Many years ago, I lost a very close friend who took his life during a period of depression, leaving his family and friends in a state of shock and disarray. We had done a lot of photography and darkroom work together but after his departure, we all came to realize that he had systematically avoided being photographed and we did not have a single recent picture of him.
But a few weeks before he died, he had given a Teddy Bear to our baby daughter and I have a picture of baby Veronique sitting in front of the Teddy Bear as if engaged in a profound conversation, as if talking to my friend.
This was some 38 years ago. The Teddy Bear has long gone and my daughter is expecting her first child due to arrive in about 10 days. I have never forgotten my friend and I still have the picture of my baby daughter talking to the Teddy Bear.
Once again with my very sincere sympathy,
Guy
.
2010/7/11 Rene M Hales <rene@xxxxxx>
Lea, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thanks for the reminder to photograph
those we love and to tell them of our feelings.
Rene
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Lea Murphy
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2010 5:27 PM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: been away
Friends,
I have been away from the Forum for a couple of months as I've struggled to
come to terms with the very unexpected and tragic death of my brother,
Shaun, who killed himself in late May. Shaun was a son, brother, husband,
father of three young children, business owner, a very good and generous
man.
Over these past few weeks I've been going through photographs I've taken of
Shaun through the years; they bring back some great and beautiful memories
while at the same time filling me with a sometimes paralyzing sadness at the
empty hole his absence leaves in the world.
There are things I've done that I wish I hadn't and there are things I
didn't do that I wish I had. One of the greatest regrets I have is not
photographing Shaun the last time we were together, just weeks before he
took his life. It would have been simple enough to turn, frame him in my
viewfinder and press the shutter...the light in Seattle was beautiful that
day, his eyes intense, his smile big.
But I didn't do it. And I'm sorry.
It wouldn't have changed anything for him, I know that, but it would have
changed me.
Who in your world do you love?
Have you told them? Have you photographed them lately?
Please do. You'll be glad you did.
Lea
life is short. photograph it.
www.leamurphy.com
--
"...La photographie est menteuse car, dans la réalité, le temps ne s'arrête pas." (Auguste Rodin)
