It Felt Really Good!

Amtrak Train #65 passing the historic restored Lee Hall station in Newport News, Virginia
All images made with a Fujifilm X-E5 and 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. (click to enlarge)

Over the Christmas holiday period, for the first time since the end of September, I had an opportunity to get out with my camera, wander around for a couple of hours and exercise my shutter finger.  I had not been able to get out and photograph since returning from my fall road trip.  Why so long?  I’ll explain.

On October 3rd and then again on the day following Thanksgiving, my wife suffered two major medical emergencies which resulted in hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation and a lot of angst and uncertainty on both our parts.  I was on the way home on the last day of my month long road trip when the first emergency happened.  You talk about the pain of not being there when your spouse needs you most.  It was terrible.  Needless to say, I "hurried" home.

There was surgery and much incapacitation due to her injury.  Immediately I took over all household duties — cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, grocery shopping, laundry, getting prescriptions filled, trips to doctors and to physical therapy multiple times a week, etc., etc.  I also had to help her bath, dress, fix her hair, as well as everything else that one takes for granted in one’s daily life.  She was unable to do any of it herself.  I did this gladly because when we married over 50 years ago, we pledged tasking care of each other forever without question or complaint.  

The second emergency happened the day following Thanksgiving.  As a result of the nature of the second emergency, coupled either her first injury she was now almost fully incapacitated.  She was unable to do much of anything, including walk without assistance.  I stepped my help even more and we made the most of each day.  

Either of these two medical issues would be very stressful but added together, you can imagine the worry, stress, and anxiety we both felt.  Top that off with not getting any definitive answers from the doctors after the second incident and we felt lost and very fearful.  After a week or so, some answers finally came.  Thankfully.  That helped as she is expected to fully recover from both maladies.  Needless to say, we were both worn down and worn out.  Things like this are tough enough when you are younger but when you are in your mid-70s, the physical and mental stamina wanes more quickly.  But we pushed forward every day.  Also, I might add, with optimism and a positive attitude.

I don’t think, even once, did I think about my photography during these trying times.

Over the Christmas holidays, my sister-in-law came to visit and she, my wife and our daughter all encouraged me to get my camera, go out and just enjoy myself for a few hours.  They would make sure all was well at home.  Take a mental break, so to speak.  I did and it was refreshing, rejuvenating, stress relieving and very enjoyable.  It felt good to hold my camera, wander a bit and actually find something pleasing to photograph.  I’ve included a couple of my images from that short outing here.  None of these are noteworthy but these images were made with pure enjoyment.

The Sharon K wooden deadrise oyster fishing boat. (click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

The good news is my wife is slowly recovering.  Each week, we see small improvements in her abilities but we still have a long way to go — months, I suspect.  I say we because we are taking this journey together each and every day.  Progress is slow but we are very good at practicing patience.  I will not rest until she has fully recovered and several doctors have told us she should fully recover.  Let’s hope.  Through all of this I applaud my wife for keeping a positive and optimistic outlook.  I know that is good for her mental health and her eventual recovery.

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

(click to enlarge)

Even though I’ve not been able to get out and photograph, I’ve tried to keep the blog going as normal.  I’m fortunate that I have many images from my fall road trip to publish along with some of the stories behind them.  Hopefully, as she continues down her road to recovery, regains some of her basic abilities and I feel I can leave her for a few hours (and she agrees), I may be able to get out and make some images.  Until then, I’ll continue with images I’ve made on my road trip along with some quirky stories that go with them.  I may even throw in some of my photographic thoughts and wisdom!

Thank you in advance for your well wishes and your patience.

Lesson learned:  We’ve all heard it and most of us have said it.  Don’t take a single day for granted.  Enjoy everyday and live life to the fullest because you just never know what is going to happen tomorrow.  So true.

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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