Our Meaningful Moment...
/ Photogrief : Eleanor Haley
This essay is a part of WYG's PhotoGrief project. The goal of the PhotoGrief project is to create a space where people can explore and express their grief through pictures. Learn more about the project here.
by Jolene Thibedeau Boyd and her brother, Jeffrey
Those last moments together in the hospital, when my brother asked if I minded whether he took a couple of photos. He gave me one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received.
Perhaps these photos are a little tough to look at, for some at least. I've shared them with very few, unsure how others would perceive them.
But I will treasure them forever and have such a deep gratitude for my brother's tender wisdom. I think he somehow knew that I really needed (or would need) these photographs, even though he declined when I offered to do the same for him.
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Joan August 31, 2015 at 1:22 am
What a memorable idea!
Before my father died in 1983, I recall taking “mental snapshots” of his worn, gruff hands. I guess being caught up in caring for him I never thought to actually photograph them. I recall his hands lovingly on the back of my neck whenever we would walk together.
My mother had lovely hands with long fingers and nails that usually held light pink nail polish. Even as her hands aged, showing signs of transparency and bruising on her thin skin, they were still lovely.
My brother died from suicide four months after my mother. I recall his short, somewhat hairy hands that used to grab the back of my neck in love – just as my father had.
Hands carry a life with so many stories. Thank you for sharing. I fully intend to pass it on.
Leisa July 14, 2015 at 1:54 am
Thank you for sharing.
Margy Dowzer July 13, 2015 at 6:14 pm
This is beautiful. I did something similar with my Mom, about 3 months before she died. I took photos of my sister doing her nails with nail polish. Close-ups of the hands and longer shots of them both. They had a much closer relationship than I had with my Mom. The first anniversary is in two weeks.