What I wouldn't give for another Kodak Moment like this...

 

I would like to start by saying "Thank You" to ActiveRain and Kodak for sponsoring this contest.  So often do we get caught up in our hectic daily schedules that we sometimes forget about those special moments that we were lucky enough to capture throughout the years.  My gratitude is not for the points, or the comments, or even the prizes should I be chosen a winner.  No, this contest did what I find so hard to do in my 'busy' life and that's taking the time to stop and count my blessings.  By going back and revisiting at all the moments that I had captured over the years I was overwhelmed with happiness, sadness, laughter, pride and even a few moments of embarrassment, all within the course of an hour.  That is the power of photography.  That is what "Kodak Moments" are all about.

This is a photo of my daughter Emily taken earlier this year at my uncle's house in Clinton, TN.  It was mid April and beautiful day.  Spring was in bloom, the weather was perfect and everyone was in good spirits.  As we arrived at my uncle's to visit him and my father, my daughter spotted a decorative well my father had built decades ago.  Of course she had no idea that is wasn't a real well and honestly it didn't matter.  In her eyes, this was a special well, a "Wishing Well".  As my brother, my father, my uncle and I sat outside on the porch catching up and playing guitars, my daughter ran over to us and jumped in my Dad's lap.

 "Papaw, can I have some pennies for the wishing well, pleeeease!", she pleaded.  

My father, at once given the opportunity to fulfill his only grandchild's request, did not hesitate to give her all the pennies he had.  We watched as she ran back over to the well and proceed to rear up on her tip-toes in order to try to see where her pennies were about to go.  As I stood back and watched her with the camera in hand, she propped up her body on the ledge, folded her arms, closed her eyes and quietly made her wish before she dropped in her penny.  As I looked back at my family I noticed my father smiling like I had rarely seen him smile.  He was so proud of his grand daughter that just her presence was enough to light up his day.

This was one of the last moments my father got to spend with my daughter.  Five months later he passed away from complications of surgery at 57 years old.  I don't remember if her wish was granted that day, but I know for certain his was. 

 

 

This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain 'Kodak Moments' contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera

To participate in the ActiveRain contest, visit the blog post announcing the contest from Kodak and ActiveRain. 

 

 

Marietta, GA Real Estate Listing Agent

and Professional Photographer

Georgia Elite Realty

Direct 770-363-3350

email iranwatson@gmail.com

Real Estate website: Iranwatson.listingware.com

Atlanta Real Estate Photographer website: IranWatsonPhoto.com

Photography Portfolio (Flash required): BestHomePhotography.com