There was something so poignant in this scene, even though the woman standing there was an actress at an event at Spring Grove cemetery.
She stood in front of the Dexter Mausoleum and gave talks as the horse drawn carriages full of guests came by.
I was shooting the building and realized how much the addition of the woman would make the shot.
It gives it a certain mood and story aspect that I like.
Sometimes I think about becoming a widow, how it would be if Michael never came home. He's been traveling more than usual lately and I guess I think about it when he leaves on trips. I can't imagine how hard that life would be...me alone with 3 young kids. People do it, but man, I can't fathom it.
The story (as requested): Charlotte waited patiently until all the guests had left her to mourn in peace. Then she sighed long and slow, and finally let out a suppressed burst of laughter. It came deep down within her bones bubbling forth. It was the kind of laugh that makes great big tears roll down your face and she wiped them away and thought of the irony. Tears, those were appropriate. Laughter was not. “Ah you had it coming to ya, ya great big bastard…she said while shaking her fist at the grave. She lifted her skirts, kicked dust on the memorial and walked away pondering the rest of her life.
On a more serious note, I just read what you wrote in your narrative above. Women (and men) throughout history and continuing to today have been left widowed with families to raise. Especially, but not exclusively military. Like you, I don't know how I would have handled that. Your photo is so evocative... there were so many Civil War widows... I know there were lots of women who remarried out of financial necessity -- and sometimes found themselves in less than ideal marriages.
Like a trip back in history... super, to catch this "widow," as she gazes towards the mausoleum! I can catch street shots as long as they have their backs turned, too! ;) At almost 25 years married, the idea of being a widow is just beyond thought. If he dies first, I will just kill him! ;)
This is wonderfully poignant, and so well composed. Love the processing, and the feeling it evokes. FAV!! On another note, I have recently been consoling a dear friend of mine whose husband passed away after 25+ years of marriage. She has always been independent, there are no kids to raise, and yet the emptiness his passing has left in her life is palpable. Then again, you always play the card you are dealt in life!
Thanks so much for your great response and comments on this shot. As requested, I updated my description to include a story...a quick one.
She waited patiently until all the guests had left her to mourn in peace. Then she sighed long and slow, and finally let out a suppressed burst of laughter. It came deep down within her bones bubbling forth. It was the kind of laugh that makes great big tears roll down your face and she wiped them away and thought of the irony. Tears, those were appropriate. Laughter was not. “Ah you had it coming to ya, ya great big bastard…she said while shaking her fist at the grave. She lifted her skirts, kicked dust on the memorial and walked away pondering the rest of her life.
A very poignant topic we should all reflect on. Not only because no one knows the time when we or a loved one will no longer be there. It isn't easy to wake up one morning and find yourself as a single parent, but like in my daughter's situation many women, especially military widows, with children find a strength in them they didn't know they had. It takes a lot of character, a close knit family and a lot of caring friends. You don't get over it in a couple of days, weeks or even months. Healing often takes years. No one ever completely heals. My advice to all who may know a widow or widower, they desperately need friends. Not friends who have answers! Friends who are willing to make themselves available and who will listen. Did I mention that it takes years? Don't expect someone who has lost their mate to be over it after a year. Often the second year is worse than the first.
This is wonderful. I know it's the long skirt but she looks a bit like she is floating. Beautiful processing and framing. I like the tree shadows on the ground.
May 14th, 2015
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I thought the music was a good match too
Thanks so much for your great response and comments on this shot. As requested, I updated my description to include a story...a quick one.
She waited patiently until all the guests had left her to mourn in peace. Then she sighed long and slow, and finally let out a suppressed burst of laughter. It came deep down within her bones bubbling forth. It was the kind of laugh that makes great big tears roll down your face and she wiped them away and thought of the irony. Tears, those were appropriate. Laughter was not. “Ah you had it coming to ya, ya great big bastard…she said while shaking her fist at the grave. She lifted her skirts, kicked dust on the memorial and walked away pondering the rest of her life.