Chris Petty Photo Art
210/365: Bittersweet Smiles
4-12-11
[Press L on your keypad]
Again running on only 4-5 hours sleep, I had to hustle to get work done- services were at 11am. A strange sense of being at peace with where Japeth was at hit me this morning while working. I really don't know how to describe it. Arriving at Brett's at 10am, he was to be a casket bearer so we promptly left and arrived at the funeral home at 10:30. The service was heart wrenching, hearing Japeth's voice as they played a couple songs that he had sung, one while playing piano, the other a guitar. J was an avid musician who could play many instruments. Brett got up and said a few words about Japeth's life and their memories together. Dave also stood and said a few words, telling J to say hi to his Father, Nick & Reg for all of us. I sobbed and struggled to catch my breath. I commend both Dave & Brett for standing up and speaking in front of everyone as they did. I did the same for Nick's funeral, choked up the whole time. The ride to the cemetery was a short one, as our town is not all that big. Japeth was buried just a few feet away from where my Mother, Nick & Reg are buried. The committal lasted only a few minutes, the weather warm and sunny. We all returned to the parish center for lunch and to my surprise there was even a veggie pasta dish. Afterward everyone headed out to Dave and Michelle's. The photo you see here is one with bittersweet smiles. As friends came and went, I grabbed my camera and started snapping a few shots. Shortly after sunset, I walked out into the yard, told everyone on the count of three to raise their drinks and say "cheeeers!" To my amazement, everyone had a smile and no one's faces were blocked by a raised hand. Perfect. From left to right- Matt, Connie, Derrick, Bill, Jessica, Bob, Penny, Michelle, Randy, Dave, Valerie and Brett. This whole experience with Japeth's death has taught me many things- mainly, to never stop trying to reach out to a friend/family member when they need our help and support, no matter how many walls they build around themselves. Maybe it would have changed nothing, but you will always remember that you did your best to try and they will know how deeply loved they are by those around them...
50mm 1.4
sb900 on camera, bare
Want to be a part of my 365 Project and get your photo taken? Got an idea/concept? Contact me, Don't be shy! Let's create art!
210/365: Bittersweet Smiles
4-12-11
[Press L on your keypad]
Again running on only 4-5 hours sleep, I had to hustle to get work done- services were at 11am. A strange sense of being at peace with where Japeth was at hit me this morning while working. I really don't know how to describe it. Arriving at Brett's at 10am, he was to be a casket bearer so we promptly left and arrived at the funeral home at 10:30. The service was heart wrenching, hearing Japeth's voice as they played a couple songs that he had sung, one while playing piano, the other a guitar. J was an avid musician who could play many instruments. Brett got up and said a few words about Japeth's life and their memories together. Dave also stood and said a few words, telling J to say hi to his Father, Nick & Reg for all of us. I sobbed and struggled to catch my breath. I commend both Dave & Brett for standing up and speaking in front of everyone as they did. I did the same for Nick's funeral, choked up the whole time. The ride to the cemetery was a short one, as our town is not all that big. Japeth was buried just a few feet away from where my Mother, Nick & Reg are buried. The committal lasted only a few minutes, the weather warm and sunny. We all returned to the parish center for lunch and to my surprise there was even a veggie pasta dish. Afterward everyone headed out to Dave and Michelle's. The photo you see here is one with bittersweet smiles. As friends came and went, I grabbed my camera and started snapping a few shots. Shortly after sunset, I walked out into the yard, told everyone on the count of three to raise their drinks and say "cheeeers!" To my amazement, everyone had a smile and no one's faces were blocked by a raised hand. Perfect. From left to right- Matt, Connie, Derrick, Bill, Jessica, Bob, Penny, Michelle, Randy, Dave, Valerie and Brett. This whole experience with Japeth's death has taught me many things- mainly, to never stop trying to reach out to a friend/family member when they need our help and support, no matter how many walls they build around themselves. Maybe it would have changed nothing, but you will always remember that you did your best to try and they will know how deeply loved they are by those around them...
50mm 1.4
sb900 on camera, bare
Want to be a part of my 365 Project and get your photo taken? Got an idea/concept? Contact me, Don't be shy! Let's create art!