Discovery
Understanding my roll.
When our first grandchild was born, my son’s family was stationed at NAS Pax River Maryland. We made the drive from Indiana to Maryland as often as possible and they the reverse. August was a beautiful baby boy who looked and acted like every other baby…like a little humanoid who had lots of intake and the smelliest of outgo. When it comes to babies…until they are old enough and can be responsible for their own head and neck, well let’s just say that holding one makes me as nervous as being wrapped up like a mummy utilizing live Boa constrictors! Scratch that as it is an exaggeration…I would prefer the boa’s!
I do not remember his exact age but I would guess it was around a year and a half old and they were in town for a visit. It was a beautiful spring/summer day and August and I were walking around the front yard, just exploring and enjoying time together. As we walked hand in hand, we came upon a bush. I have no idea what type of bush it was, even though it was part of our landscaping. It was both yellow and green, the type that looked a bit sharp but wasn’t.
We stopped and were looking at the bush when August without a word spoken looked up into my eyes. Instantly I knew his question and I said “You can touch it.” He gently reached out and started feeling the texture of a single branch, and smiled. It was at that exact moment, as if hit by lightning, that I felt like a grandfather for the first time…accepting responsibility for one of my roles in his life, to assist with discovery.
Fast forward seven years and I am at Custer SP photographing bison when I notice this little one. Its nose was inches from the ground and a few feet away from a lone blue flower. It moved from side to side, eyed fixed on the flower as if it was wondering what it was…a bit curious, a bit hesitant. A few seconds passed before it worked up the courage to approach the flower. When it bowed down to ascertain its fragrance, I took this photo.
Watching this bison reminded me of the thrill, the absolute blessing of discovery…making this shot a personal favorite from this trip!
Photo taken 22 May, 2023.
Discovery
Understanding my roll.
When our first grandchild was born, my son’s family was stationed at NAS Pax River Maryland. We made the drive from Indiana to Maryland as often as possible and they the reverse. August was a beautiful baby boy who looked and acted like every other baby…like a little humanoid who had lots of intake and the smelliest of outgo. When it comes to babies…until they are old enough and can be responsible for their own head and neck, well let’s just say that holding one makes me as nervous as being wrapped up like a mummy utilizing live Boa constrictors! Scratch that as it is an exaggeration…I would prefer the boa’s!
I do not remember his exact age but I would guess it was around a year and a half old and they were in town for a visit. It was a beautiful spring/summer day and August and I were walking around the front yard, just exploring and enjoying time together. As we walked hand in hand, we came upon a bush. I have no idea what type of bush it was, even though it was part of our landscaping. It was both yellow and green, the type that looked a bit sharp but wasn’t.
We stopped and were looking at the bush when August without a word spoken looked up into my eyes. Instantly I knew his question and I said “You can touch it.” He gently reached out and started feeling the texture of a single branch, and smiled. It was at that exact moment, as if hit by lightning, that I felt like a grandfather for the first time…accepting responsibility for one of my roles in his life, to assist with discovery.
Fast forward seven years and I am at Custer SP photographing bison when I notice this little one. Its nose was inches from the ground and a few feet away from a lone blue flower. It moved from side to side, eyed fixed on the flower as if it was wondering what it was…a bit curious, a bit hesitant. A few seconds passed before it worked up the courage to approach the flower. When it bowed down to ascertain its fragrance, I took this photo.
Watching this bison reminded me of the thrill, the absolute blessing of discovery…making this shot a personal favorite from this trip!
Photo taken 22 May, 2023.