Saturday, March 24, 2007

A boy and his zaydie


Hold my hand
Laval, Quebec, August 2006


The technical shortcomings of this shot are many: it's mostly overexposed, thanks to burn-in from the oncoming late afternoon sun. It could also use a touch of cropping, namely on the left-hand side. I took it in August, a hastily-captured image from a point-and-shoot camera. I've had it stored in my blog's drafts list for a while, always intending to go back and massage the picture before posting it.

But I'm going to bypass my usual process this time. Sometimes, a picture just needs to be shown as is.

My father goes into the hospital this Monday, another step along a journey most of us would rather not take. The official word this time: monitoring. The lot of the cardiac patient, I guess, where every anomaly has to be watched, analyzed and fretted over, wondering if it's just one of those things, or something that really merits additional worry. But ultimately, everything is worrisome for someone with heart disease. And for his family.

I thought a spontaneously caught moment when he explored his neighborhood with his six-year-old grandson would be a nice way to put this latest chapter in its proper perspective.

More soon...

Your turn: Generations. Connections. Please discuss.

20 comments:

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Hey Carmi....Michele sent me back to you tonight. What a sweet sweet picture! I can see why it is precious to you, no matter it's so called shortcomings...
I dearly hope Granpapa will be alright...I tell you, after a certain point, all one can think about practically is one's health!! OY!
I will keep good positive thoughts and send "light" his way....!
I look forward to seeing this particular picture after you do your magic on it...!

Carli N. Wendell said...

I'm sorry your father is going through this. My sister's father-in-law just had his second major heart surgery. I understand that it's a nerve-wracking situation, to be living under the shadow of such a dangerous illness. I hope it all turns out for the best.

I lost my grandfather to heart disease before I ever knew him, and I wish I had gotten the chance to meet him. He lives in the stories of my Great Uncle Murray, who idolized his older brother. Through him, I've learned so much about my Papa Jack.

kenju said...

Carmi, I hope that your dad will come out fine and not have to stay in the hospital for long. It is a sweet photo; I have similar ones of my son and my dad.

David Edward said...

that is simply beautiful

LBA said...

I have no problem with over-exposure.
Probably one of the few that finds them beautiful, going by the sort of comments most people attribute to them.

The light surrounds them, warms them, protects them.

What's to dislike ? :)

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Me again....I wanted to say and forgot---The flowers dried themselves. I did absolutely nothing! They are exactly where they were put in December 23rd, 2006....They have been moved around on the table, etc...But basically, they dried themselves! Fabulous, isn't it?

craziequeen said...

Carmi, I'm with Naomi. This is a truly meaningful picture and I love it. So will Noah when he grows to be a man like his Granpa and Pa.
Sending oodles of strong thoughts to Granpa and love to the Levy family.

Sickness in the family is always a terrible strain on everyone.

Strength, my friend.

cq

Michael K. Althouse said...

I'd leave it the way it is. Why limit anything it has to say?

I hope all turns out ok, Carmi. When he gets out of the hospital, take another shot composed the way you want it - I think this one still has something to say.

Mike

Unknown said...

hello.

followed the footprint you left behind..

my mother's parents were overseas, and my paternal grandmother passed a few months before i was born. a broken relationship between my dad and his father meant i grew up without a warm connection with my grandparents.

from what i see around me, there is a noticable difference in kids that grow up feeling that warmth. what makes grandparents so warm and loving? maybe it's their experience- years of learning from mistakes with their own children. most like it's just 'cause people mellow out with age. in any case, noone can stress enough the importance of those early years.

i mean, that's not to say kids that don't have that are at a great loss, but i definately think that kid there is lucky to have his big ol' pa.

hope all goes well.

Chad Oneil Myers said...

Good emotional shot.

Dayngr said...

I found you through Undercover Angel and I'm glad I did. Wonderful post, great blog.

Sending sunshine, smiles & blessings your way.

Anonymous said...

I love this shot Carmi. Perhaps it's because it's something that is near and dear to my heart. Like your father, my father suffers from heart disease...and has for quite some time. It's a difficult road and I am thankful every day for the medical technology that has allowed us to keep him here with us this long. I agree with you 100%. Don't touch this photo. It's perfect the way it is.

I will keep your father in my prayers.

Rainbow dreams said...

All the very best to your Father...
Sometimes I think it's the moment rather than the perfection of a photo that is important, and what a lovely moment.

To have connections with grandparents is fantastic... something I missed out on almost completely. They have so much to give and to share. I see it as a very special bond.

Thoughts from me, Katie

Anna said...

I am sorry to hear what is going on with your father Carmi. Please let us know how things progress. My thoughts are with him and your family as well.

I just love that you captured this! I like the shadows of there legs in it. Black and white might be nice here! :)

Take care.

Cheryl said...

This picture speaks volumes. It's perfect just the way it is.

photowannabe said...

Carmi, this is a touching tribute to your Dad and his grandson. The picture says it all. I pray that his time in the hospital will be short and he will be back to take another walk with his grandson.

Marie said...

Such a sweet photo...

How is your Dad doing, Carmi?

Anonymous said...

Carmi you love both the "men" in this picture, and it shows in the photo.

Sandy said...

Your father is in my thoughts and prayers, Carmi, as are those who love him.

tommie said...

Carmi-that is a great picture. I do hope your dad is doing well. My mom had bypass surgery the fall that my little boy was born...nearly four year years ago. Amazing recovery in such a short time.