This picture was taken 43 years ago when I was around 2 years old. I was the prototype "Daddy's girl" always wanting to be with him wherever he went. On that given trek he jumped into a photo booth with me, and the image became quite a treasure over the years. I found it unexpectedly this past week safely tucked away in a drawer of candles. I took some pictures of it to send him, then set it on a window pane which holds other special things. It was such a sweet surprise, and the timing of finding it is beyond coincidental. Little did I know that I'd be on a plane a couple days later traveling home to be with him and my mom.
I don't think I've shared the story yet, but he's the one who gave me my first 'real' camera when I was in the 7th grade. It was a Fujica SLR, and it set me on my way photographing life. Years later he upgraded it to a Minolta, which was stolen, unfortunately. And somewhere during that stretch of time my parents surprised me with an enlarger. I still remember climbing up the attic ladder to find it. Needless to say, my parents have encouraged my love of photography for many years, and I'm forever grateful.
I love you, Daddy.
Oh Irene, I'm so sad with you. I didn't process before when you'd mentioned he was sick. BIGGGGGG hugs and rolling tears.
ReplyDeleteShireen