My Camera
All of a sudden, they don't mind being in front of my camera again...
I am away on a much needed holiday with my family. I think that in 2012, I have been away from them for about 3 months. While my father was ill, I ordered a new toy for my holiday. For years(literally about 2 years), I have been dying to shoot underwater...it has been calling out to me...and, today, I finally did it. I am so looking forward to embracing this...
We will update about our holiday on our family blog if you are interested in following along...but, this morning, I had to share these lovelies with all of you lovelies :)
Happy Monday,
Dana
Dynamite Dad
I had a whole post written on Monday afternoon that was meant for today ... about what my family had been through in the past month and the things I had learned. How we had just begun the road to my father's recovery ... within 24 hours, the post would become unimportant. This past week our world was rocked as my father lost the fight for his life on Tuesday afternoon. One day before his 68th birthday.
I have spent the week with my mother preparing his service and handling all that comes with the passing of a family member. I am so grateful for my wonderful clients who have been beyond understanding at my need to reschedule, postpone, etc...and our family and friends have really embraced us with love and support. Not to mention the overwhelming support that I have received from my fellow photographers and suppliers. Thank you all...
One of my tasks has been to prepare a retrospective slideshow of his life, as is common at times like these. I was struck by these two images of my father. They were found among the throngs of slides that my mom had sitting in boxes. For me, there is something deeply nostalgic about looking at slides and super 8 home movies. These two pictures were taken the summer after my parents were married on a trip they took to Chicago. This is before I knew him...and yet, I can see glimpses of him. Of the man he would become. While completing this project in between receiving emails and phone calls detailing the influence my father had on the people in his life, I was struck how a person's life is made up of little experiences. Everyone has their own unique experience with someone and then, of course, that person has theirs...and somehow you piece all those experiences together to create a life. By pouring over our family images and movies, I feel like I know my father better today. Things that I had forgotten, I now remember. Stories I had never heard are now living in my own mind. Photography has a way of bringing you to that moment...of helping you remember. Maybe even if you weren't there. Remembering the story as it was told to you. Or helping you put the last piece of the puzzle in place. And, for my father who was always a hobbyist photographer, I can see his perspective. How beautiful he thought my mother was(and he clearly thought she was the most gorgeous person ever)...how much he loved all his cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Not to mention his kids. He loved us lots...
I remember one year when his birthday fell on Father's Day and we showered him with presents. The one that I remember was a t-shirt that said 'Dynamite Dad'. He loved that thing. He acted all cocky like 'of course I'm a Dynamite Dad' ... even though now that I'm a parent, I'm sure he had his doubts(he always hid his doubts well). He wore it with such pride. I'll never forget that shirt...and his 70's moustache.
This year, Father's Day falls on my husbands birthday...and he is getting the shaft a bit. A planned party was cancelled. I have been gone off and on literally all year...first with work and now with my father's passing. But, he has held down the fort. I wish I had found a shirt that said Dynamite Dad because he truly deserves it. Maybe next year.
So, to all of you who are able to...hug your dads. Tell them how 'dynamite' they are. Me, I'll be trying to remember the good times.
Happy Father's Day to the two Dynamite Dads in my life.
~ Dana
Life
I set out trying to accomplish a photo a day project in May...well, it didn't happen. What did happen was life got in the way. That is usually my excuse, it's true, but this time I mean it. A couple of weeks ago, I phoned my mom to find out how a minor medical test went for my niece. My mom started talking like I knew what was going on...there was some confusion as I worried for my niece...until my mom said, 'didn't you talk to your sister? It's dad.'
Before I knew it I was rushing up to Edmonton...worrying about being so far away from my family when something so major was going on. What unfolded was two weeks of back and forth. Two weeks of worrying and wondering and hoping. Two weeks of so many amazing phone calls, emails, & Facebook messages from friends, clients, & family members offering help in the form of groceries, lawn maintenance, prayers, and visiting breaks. Truth be told, we have all come out of it a little exhausted I think. But, two days ago, my dad sat up in the ICU and was aware. Worn out from his fight, but very much on the upswing. Yesterday, he was even more alert and we were told that he would soon move into the regular ward. I don't know how to tell you what a huge miracle we feel this is...how close he came to death more than once in the last couple of weeks. What I have learned from this experience is that life is truly worth fighting for...the life you want. When you see someone on the verge fighting for another shot at it...it makes you realize that you need to be living the life you love. If you aren't, then what are you waiting for?
At one point, early on in it all, we told him no more flying. For my dad, who loves to travel, you would think this was a blow...but he has seen the world--lots of it. So, he simply said, there are lots of places we can drive. Being a fan of travelling and currently fighting the constant travel bug, that really hit me. There are always new things to see...so what are you doing sitting on your butt? Get out there and see them...Embrace life...
I just wanted to type a quick life update as my blog has been super duper silent. Now you know why. To the many people I have yet to email or phone back...I'm slogging away and trying to get through it all today and tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.
here's to life!
~ Dana :)
