A Simple Photo, A Memory Forever

A Simple Photo, A Memory Forever!

A sweet memory and a different kind of post for today, inspired by an article I read by Skip Cohen. It was a reminder to me, (and I'm passing it on to you), that photography isn't just about capturing gorgeous landscapes or being an expert photographer/artist. It is for all of us to take the time to capture a feeling, an event, a moment, that at the time may not seem very important. A quote attributed to Dr. Seuss says, "“Sometimes you’ll never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” And photos keep those memories alive and close to the heart as the years pass. This had me thinking about photos I've taken that would never get a bunch of 'likes' or 'hearts' on social media, but I cherish just the same. I want to tell you about one such photo. Several years ago my husband and I were on an assignment for our church in New Caledonia. After our meetings we were enjoying visiting with these wonderful people. Out of the corner of my eye I saw this couple at the far end of the walkway coming toward where I was standing. I noticed how happy they looked, arms around each other, laughing and talking and enjoying being together in their own little world. They looked striking to me with their beautiful brown skin in contrast with their white clothes. As they walked towards me I snapped a bunch of photos, just so I could remember that happy moment. A few weeks later I received a call from our friend and colleague who was with us at the time. She reminded me of the photos I had taken of this couple and wanted my permission to enlarge this one to present to the wife, because just a few days earlier her husband had died suddenly with no warning. I had the impression they didn't have many photographs together and no recent ones. What a joy for me to think that this lovely lady has this happy photograph of the two of them. Just a simple moment became one of their last moments together, and a simple photo to help her remember forever!!