My September 11, 2010

I awoke this morning after a night of frivolity with my friend to thoughts of the date... September 11th.

It is hard not to remember where i was and what i was doing 9 years ago today. Although lately thinking about the past has done little good so i will just say this, I'm fortunate that myself and family were safe and that we have the capability to help improve our future through small but significant changes in our world. Be thankful for each day and cherish those you hold dear and even those you might call a stranger for someday through circumstances out of your control you may need each other.

This day for me was best spent doing something i knew would remind me of why sometimes a story is better when it is told by someone you just meet. The river held for me today a chance to fill my afternoon with things i am passionate about Pictures and People.

After the mid day storm blew through i packed my camera and headed to a favorite spot of mine along the river and there he was, a solitary man in a wheel chair with a fishing pole and a look of determination on his face. He wasn't the only man fishing but definitely the one that intrigued me with his earth worms and his slippers on.
I introduced myself he said his name was Ted, I asked if he minded if i took his picture, like most strangers i photograph he gave me the crooked "uh sure" look so i stepped back and just watched him for a few minutes. Most people immediately get nervous when they know they are being watched so i sat back and started talking to the elderly man next to me on the bench in order to let Ted relax a little.

It turns out Louis was from South Africa and enjoyed fishing on this bank of the river for the abundance of catfish it held. Louis told me all about his past 74 years and then about his plans for the future.. its amazing what people just tell you when you ask a single question.

Ted seemed more relaxed so i took pictures of him as he tried to reel in the biggest fish on the bank trying to out do the young boys just down the other side of the dock. His story touched me and i hope it helps you reflect on what is good about your day and life today.

Ted was homeless until a year ago, a vet with cancer and a stubborn attitude to rival any 10 year old i know.
It seems he meet his angel in a woman named Gretchen, a young lady determined to make a difference in her way by volunteering her time at a homeless shelter near her downtown office.
Ted was the one that didn't want help but Gretchen never gave up, and finally was successful in getting him in housing, connecting him with health care for his cancer and most importantly providing a friendship and family that he needed at this a point in his life when he needed someone to be stubborn with him.
He can't drive so Gretchen's father picked Ted up and set him up on this spot with his minnows and tackle. It seems Ted just wanted to fish... simply fish.. something that would make him happy, something that would make his day worth living.
Ted did catch a fish and he was proud to reel in that 2lb carp, the fish was thrilled it was catch and release day.

The smile on his man's face was pure joy something you don't see very often in this busy selfish world. Some day Gretchen will know the great effect she had on those of us listening to Ted's story today and maybe someday when she is in need of the kindness of a stranger of someone to be stubborn for her she will feel all the Love i could see in Ted's eyes for the young lady willing to sacrifice her Saturday just to take him fishing.

The bottom line is somedays hold sadness in memories of the past but turning that day into a new happy one is what is going to improve our next one.