On Sunday I broke a piece of filling off my one tooth, and the sharp edge was very annoying, so tonight after work I visited my dentist so she could fix it. While I was sat in the chair waiting for the novacaine to numb the area to be worked on, we talked about the flood and shared stories of our experiences this past week. When I left her office I drove into town to check out the creek to see if the waters had receded. The water level had receded, but I was surprised to see the current still quite strong. This particular creek is usually a nice, quiet, flowing trout stream, but it was obviously still being fed by last week's rain and run off, and it was still flowing with a great deal of strength. Life can sometimes be like these raging waters, crashing us against the rocks. Eventually things calm down, but during a flood of troubling events, it is easy to feel like we're drowning, and it can be very hard to believe that the waters will once again calm down. This past week I spoke to friends who suffered some significant damage to their homes, and they lost personal belongings that can never be replaced. It would have been easy to respond, "Well, at least you didn't suffer physical injuries..." or "At least you and your family are safe..." Even though it would have been true, it would not have communicated a sincere sense of empathy for what they had just experienced. I listened, and offered my help, and simply admitted, "I personally never experienced anything like this, and I cannot imagine how it must feel to suffer such loss. Is there anything I can do for you?" As the massive clean-up continues, it is so sad to hear about families that did not have flood insurance, and they literally have no financial resources for the repairs that need to be done. There will most likely be efforts, and opportunities in the near future for the community to help families in need, so we will have the opportunity to put into action our efforts to help. Please keep these families in your prayers as they try to recover from this devastation.
Rick, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about the torrents of loss that disasters can bring. As you wisely note, the respecful thing is to allow people their grief and feelings of loss. And when it's time to recover, help them. Your photo imparts a sense of power; in my experience, there is power in gentleness, which you express beautifully.
Your picture is incredibly beautiful, but the story of people's many losses is so tragic. Your introspection is so true... We *know* life and limb come before personal posessions, but what price can replace treasured memories and mementos. Your so good to put it into words...and you're obviously a compassionate friend.
Love this shot Rick. The green in the foreground really compliments it well and the water is so silky looking. As always your words are a treat to read and you have once again tied photo and words together so well. I will pray for these families also.
Lovely shot Rick. Our stream is also still high though not as high as it was on Sunday. It also takes time for folks to recover from such a loss. But I think the community spirit and people coming together to support them in any way they can, will help them to heal and to start making new memories.
Beautiful shot- I too am not sure "at least you are ok" is a great comfort to those who lost their homes, belongings. It is true but a loss is still a loss even if it is not human.
Have you ever thought of composing a book with all your wisdom and amazing ways of putting things into words..pair that with your powerful photography and you'd have to be on a winner :)
Are you using DN filter to do shots like this? I have seen some other shots you did similar and if you are not, maybe you should try, they work so well to do slow shutter speed during the day
Beauty of a picture Rick. your words are so true especially when you say
"I personally never experiened anything like this and I cannot imagine how it must feel......." you're so right we can't really imagine it unless it happens to us. God willing it never will. my thoughts and prayers go out to all these unfortunate people.
What a nice shot Rick.
Sad to hear of the flood victims in your area. I will keep them in my prayers. You are right when you say you don't know how they feel - nice words.
This stream is so beautiful, Rick! Isn't it amazing how something with such beauty can also cause such damage? I think your words to your friends were simply perfect. Losing beloved possessions or mementoes from our past is very hard and I will keep all the people in your area who are still in such need in my prayers.
Wonderful shot...........but the story behind it is painful. I feel so bad for the people who lost so much. Loss is still loss, no matter what it is! Your words were very kind to them!
A beautiful shot and, as ever, your words of wisdom and comfort ring sincere. My heart goes out to those who have suffered due to these devastating events.
You captured the power of the water wonderfully, Rick. Your words are so true - it's hard to imagine the devastation and the emotional impact on those that have suffered through it.
Beautiful shot Rick and your words suit so well. Thanks for the reminder I take from your words what I need too.
Also loved your words to people instead of the ones we usually say - yours would have meant so much to them.
September 24th, 2011
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love this one ...
so cool ...
great details ... =)
"I personally never experiened anything like this and I cannot imagine how it must feel......." you're so right we can't really imagine it unless it happens to us. God willing it never will. my thoughts and prayers go out to all these unfortunate people.
Sad to hear of the flood victims in your area. I will keep them in my prayers. You are right when you say you don't know how they feel - nice words.
Also loved your words to people instead of the ones we usually say - yours would have meant so much to them.