Gone too soon

As a very distinct difference to the euphoric feelings I have had of late concerning the range of activity I find myself in, I received news that one of the ladies I had the honour to know and photograph at a wedding, an attractive and vivacious lady had taken her life the other day and the funeral was yesterday.

I never attended the funeral as I had so many appointments I could not reschedule. I could not get her face out of my mind, I "saw' her in my mind all day. I bade her farewell in my own little way and felt grateful for the chance that I had to meet with her and photograph one of her most happiest days on earth and become a friend. It has made me again evaluate the core reasons why I do what I do, because I am a massive sentamentalist, and something i have created called a "momentalist" living in the moments that my lens captures. I am in awe that my images will be looked at by many people and perhaps even for generations. Especially in this case by those who knew this wonderful lady.

She was diagnosed with depression and without going into the details that led her to that tragic moment, I will choose to celebrate her life and celebrate her vivacious and endearing personality.





I am still ever so proud and grateful to have taken these images of a woman who will always look beautiful and be such a warm person to me. She has been a part of my brochures for some time and will remain so.


I would ask and downright beg, if there be people who read this post who have feelings of this nature or know someone who has, reach out to someone. You mean the world to somebody. Despite the ever present feelings propagated by the media to isolate people, couples and to "win" a competition or prize as though that one moment IS your life is completely false. The truth is that each of us is connected, we are all a part of the tapestry of life that touches so many other people.

Take a little time out of your busy day
To give encouragement
To someone whos lost the way
Or would I be talking to a stone
If I asked you
To share a problem thats not your own
We can change things if we start giving
Why dont you

Reach out and touch
Somebodys hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebodys hand
Make this world a better place
If you can

If you see an old friend on the street
And hes down
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
Try a little kindness youll see
Its something that comes very naturally
We can change things if we start giving

Why dont you
Reach out and touch
Why dont you (why dont you)
Reach out and touch somebodys hand

Reach out and touch
Somebodys hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebodys hand
Make this world a better place
If you can


...and you, each of us can.

Comments

Tammy said…
Holy crimony, Craig! After posting myself on my own depression earlier today, this post of yours really hit me hard.

I was very suicidal (from depression) for about 2-3 years perhaps 6 or 7 years ago, and the meds seemed to make it worse. Sometimes it just doesn't feel like there is much to live for.

I certainly can understand where this friend of yours might have felt she was at. It's such a crumbling, swirling, and devastating place to be in.

I am sad she is no longer here, but hope she is in a place where maybe she is not so plagued with defeat anymore.

No one who chooses to take her own life is well, and I think God understands that. Unfortunately we are human, and while very sick sometimes we do things that maybe weren't for the best.

The only thing that keeps me afloat is knowing (after surfacing from the depths of despair) that it will get better. It always does.

And I loved what you said, "if there be people who read this post who have feelings of this nature or know someone who has, reach out to someone. You mean the world to somebody." That is so true. Sometimes one little comment, hug, or voiced thought is all someone needs to hang on just another day.

Thinking of you, Craig. And of your friend's family...
Goldenrod said…
Is that your poem, Craig? It's beautiful and full of feeling, as is your whole post. I am glad that you chose to celebrate her life and not allow the manner in which she died to overcome you.
Craig Peihopa said…
Tammy, Your response is heartfelt and sincerely appreciated. I was at a wedding yesterday and checked the emails on my phone and saw this and felt very grateful for you sharing your feelings here. I hope that if there be anyone who has those feelings, that your comments give them that little hope that helps keep them going. Thank you, thank you.

-------------------------------------

Goldenrod, no it is the lyrics from the Diana ross song Reach Out and Touch. But is was so appropriate for the post. Thanks for commenting.
Ruby Rideout said…
I'm sorry about the tragic news of this beautiful lady you photographed.
I can't imagine...

May she rest in peace.

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