My Oldest and My Youngest

Jeff FillmoreJeff Fillmore Registered Users Posts: 411 Major grins
edited October 17, 2007 in People
This picture just crushed me tonight. We lost our oldest daughter to meningitis 2 1/2 years ago. Today would have been her 10th birthday. Not posed- in fact my wife had to kick me and point to get me to take the shot.

EDIT - 10/17/07 - Thank you all and God Bless everyone who left a message or wished us well. I'm sorry but I had to take this down because reading all these messages is making me a mental case. :cry I know that was not anyones intent but I am a basket case anyway- and I obsessed on this all day today. I left a link up for the picture in case you want to see it but I'm going to try and not look at this thread again. Hope everyone understands- Thanks.

http://www.capturelifeinaction.com/photos/209177857-O.jpg
Thanks!
Jeff

flickr

Comments

  • ElaineElaine Registered Users Posts: 3,532 Major grins
    edited October 16, 2007
    This is heartwrenching. I am so sorry for your loss. Words just do not express what this photo has captured. I am humbled that you chose to share it with us here. God bless your precious family.
    Elaine

    Comments and constructive critique always welcome!

    Elaine Heasley Photography
  • NachoNacho Registered Users Posts: 212 Major grins
    edited October 16, 2007
    Gdad, I love the shot, and the story you shared. This is extremely touching and it truly has such an emotional grip. Many things connecting with me here, including the arm reflected in the marble. Thank you for sharing the shot and the story. My best to you and family,

    N
    Exposure Latitude(s).com
    "The temple bell stops but the sound keeps coming out of the flowers." -- Basho
  • JenGraceJenGrace Registered Users Posts: 1,229 Major grins
    edited October 16, 2007
    Powerful picture, Jeff. The cupcake, her reflection, the angle...

    So sorry for your loss. I can't imagine losing a child. My heart goes out to you and your family.
    Jen

    Gallery of mine...caution, it's under CONSTANT construction! | Photo Journal

    In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. ~Aaron Rose
  • LiquidOpsLiquidOps Registered Users Posts: 835 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    I am speechless....

    sad moment...

    awesome shot!
    Wandering Through Life Photography
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  • ian408ian408 Administrators Posts: 21,934 moderator
    edited October 17, 2007
    Wow. This is a very emotional shot.
    Moderator Journeys/Sports/Big Picture :: Need some help with dgrin?
  • aktseaktse Registered Users Posts: 1,928 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    oh.my.god. powerful. so very powerful.

    Even without the background story, you feel the the emotion and the heart just aches.

    I'm so sorry for you loss. Thank you so much for sharing.
    http://aktse.smugmug.com/
  • saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    This shot is so strong even without your heartwrenching story. I am so saddened to learn of your loss. God bless all of you!
  • zoomerzoomer Registered Users Posts: 3,688 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    Perfect example of how powerful a photo can be.
    Wonderful photo.....
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  • SystemSystem Registered Users Posts: 8,186 moderator
    edited October 17, 2007
    they wait for us on the other side
    time is nothing; love is everything

    we stay here until it is time to go
    touching the living, dreaming the departed

    they know all is and will be right
    seeing our tears, feeling our love

    in our visions we see them around us
    beseeching God to keep us and guide us

    I so so much want to fly and see
    to hold and hug and kiss my beloved

    but I must stay, remain with the grief and hurt
    teaching the others who my beloved were
    and of the Glory to which they have gone
    and of the Love that awaits us

    I will cherish you and the memories we have

    but one day, my beloved, some day....
  • billandersbillanders Registered Users Posts: 15 Big grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    Absolutely amazing shot, both technically and emotionally.

    I can't imagine what you went through while taking and processing the image. But I believe it's all part of the healing process, regardless of how painful it was.

    Thank you for sharing.
    Bill Anders

    http://billandersphoto.com

  • wholenewlightwholenewlight Registered Users Posts: 1,529 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    a wonderfully beautiful shot and touching account.

    my thoughts and prayers are for continued healing for you and your family.
    john w
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  • 12201220 Registered Users Posts: 88 Big grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    gdad... thank you for sharing. your loss is unimaginable. god bless you and your family.
    Disclaimer: Just because I have an opinion, that doesnt mean I'm right.
  • urbanariesurbanaries Registered Users Posts: 2,690 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    my heart breaks for you guys. words can't really describe my compassion, the way your photo has unearthed emotions surrounding your loss.

    what a fitting tribute your image is to the memory, the sisterhood, the healing, the hope.

    your youngest daughter will cherish this photo for a lifetime. Many years from now when she has her own children, she will thank her dad for taking it. iloveyou.gif
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  • FlyingginaFlyinggina Registered Users Posts: 2,639 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    What a powerfully beautiful and touching photograph. I wept when I first saw it -- for your family and for the families of all who have lost a child. Thank you for your generosity in sharing such a moving and deeply personal photograph.

    Virginia
    _______________________________________________
    "A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know." Diane Arbus

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  • amscoutamscout Registered Users Posts: 35 Big grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    OMG!
    so powerful, so heartwrenching, amazing emotion in this picture. thank you so much for sharing this picture and story. many prayers to you and your family.
    Amanda-fulltime mommy, fulltime student, parttime photographer
    Nikon D-80
  • digitalpinsdigitalpins Registered Users Posts: 448 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    wow so sorry to hear that, man thats horrible..... but that is a very strong beautiful image

    Wish you the best...
    www.lamontphotography.com
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  • kenlynekenlyne Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    Such sweetness, such heartrending...The tears that spilled are still wet...the ache is still felt. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and private moment in your lives with us--it has touched me more than words can express. Thinking of you and your family.
  • jeffreaux2jeffreaux2 Registered Users Posts: 4,762 Major grins
    edited October 17, 2007
    As far as the image goes, it is very strog even without knowing the history. For me, the strongest element is the hand and the reflection of the hand seemingly reaching for each other, but not touching.


    On a more personal note, I certainly can not imagine what losing a child would be like, but I think that as a parent nothing could cause more pain. I imagine myself asking why for the rest of my life. May God Bless you and your family at every turn.
    Thanks,
    Jeff
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