New Audio at the State of Orange

I’ve recently been honored with a wonderful opportunity to help out the local Hospice organization here in Wilmington. For those of you who don’t know, the photo journal I’ve been compiling on gpa has many elements to it. B&w images. C-41 images. Video. And audio. The point is to capture as much life and energy shared between us in those fleeting moments. It only seemed natural for me to move from elder care and dementia into end-of-life situations with an organization as beautiful as Hospice.

I have been overwhelmed by the work of Hospice, both service-wise and artistically. There was a book I bought a while ago called Hospice: A Photographic Inquiry. It is absolutely amazing. The images in that book are magical, raw, and poetic. The art done in the name of Hospice care is, to me, timeless and honest to our nature as humans trying to figure out how best to deal with death and dying. Check these examples out:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/247188_hospice07.html

http://www.jackradcliffe.org/92Sheila.html

http://www.providence.org/long_term_care/hospice_of_seattle/e55portraits.htm

I’ve been drawn to work like that for quite some time and with my interest and passion for elder care and end-of-life experiences, I decided to volunteer my talents to the local Hospice chapter. I’ve been collaborating with them on and off lately. A lecture here. A photo presentation there. Nothing directly with those actually under Hospice care. Well, a few weeks ago I got a phone call. There was a married couple who wanted me to come and sit with them and record some audio.

I am still completely humbled by the experience. For two pure hours, I witnessed the agony and ecstasy of all that is beautiful in this world. The love, laughter, and connectedness between these two soul mates. 37 years. So many memories. So many times shared. And the heavy weight of realizing future memories will be created in the absence of the other.

But there was an undercurrent of quiet resilience and strength. It was beautiful to watch and listen to. I wish them both peace and compassion through this ordeal.

Please take time and donate your time or finances to help out your local Hospice. The service that they supply for everyone involved in this end-of-life experience is truly a wonderful thing.

And also, take some time to listen to those you love. Ask questions, find out details, help create their legacy. Because if anything, you never know what will happen. Grandparents, siblings, parents, spouse, girl / boy friends. Take a moment to create a moment. We forget to remind each other of our stories. And when someone passes, it’s like a library burning down. Unless we’ve lived in the moment and held on to those little details and stories that make up one’s life.

A quick note about the audio:

The music you hear is from a Japanese band called Mono. If you haven’t yet, I fully suggest going out and buying their albums. They are absolutely amazing---beautiful, emotional, and introspective. Their music is a perfect fit for the intense sentiments voiced by those whom I interview. It’s amazing to watch people hone into what is being said when accompanied by Mono's music. The combination is more than I could ask for. Mono forces you to sit and meditate, but when paired with the interviews it adds a whole other layer to what is being said. Please support this band!

Here's to Family...

First, I want to thank everyone who expressed their condolences for my family during this holiday season and the absence of my grandmother. Times like this are never easy, no matter how well prepared we might feel we are for the inevitable. But when you can share the burden of sadness with those that you love…well, that’s what life is all about. Knowing that you aren’t alone regardless how you feel. Realizing that friends are still there for you. It’s amazing. And I thank each and every one of you. You helped me and my family. These moments are hard, but with each expression of love and friendship I know that things will be okay. Because in the end, we all want to be surrounded by those who love you no matter what. That’s what family is all about. Thank you all.

Along those same lines, I wanted to share a present with everyone. On Christmas day, my dad opened a letter from a long lost cousin. Inside was probably the single most beautiful gift someone could give another human---the gift of remembrance from times forgotten. There, inside this small letter, were photos after photos of my dad’s father, my pappap, as a young man. My dad had never seen these and they brought back a flood of memories about a man who died when my dad was young. They are simply beautiful. Just like the Dream motorcycle, they lit my dad up with story after story, retelling the legend of a hard-working man from Pennsylvania who inspired my dad to become the wonderful husband and father he is today.

It was a gift of immense value and it showed the value of a simple image taken casually and how much it means to the generations that follow. The photographer who took those was simply capturing the moment. And by doing so, allowed my dad years later to remember and love all over again. So simple, so beautiful. A collection of moments shared with loved ones---that’s exactly what life is. And after those we’ve loved have passed on, those simple images remind us that a life of love and connection was there right in front of our eyes. The trick is to realize all this while those people are still around. To express our thankfullness for having them in our lives, if it’s only for a brief moment. Because you never know when it’ll be too late.

Love fast, love completely. Tell those that mean the most to you how you feel. No regrets, especially when you lead with your heart. Here’s to a man that I never knew---Thank you for creating the man that I call my dad. You’d be proud, pappap. He’s all I could ask for. Thank you.