I Remember People With Gratitude

When I was working for decades as a physical and occupational therapist, I treated thousands of people. While I was helping them, they were helping me. How? Hearing their stories, I learned that we all have painful chapters in our development and lives. In helping them through their current difficulties, I was preparing for mine, and I have indeed had some tough ones, as have you. I still remember many of my patients, including some of my very first ones. They helped form the person I am, just as my parents and good role models did.

In my current profession as a photographer, I again interact with people. This career doesn't involve suffering as my clinical ones did. It celebrates people, and endeavors to preserve their unique personality and beauty.

I've been spending a bit of time during this pandemic going through the thousands images I've taken. Each of the people I've photographed receive my thanks, just as my patients do. Many of the photography settings are from their major life events like weddings and school graduations. Not only am I grateful for the artistic opportunity to create beautiful memories for them, but I'm also grateful for having been let into these chapters of their lives. Not having family of my own, they're unaware of the incredible blessing it is to be part of theirs while working for them. I treasure each situation in my book of human connection.

The image above was one of my early fashion related images. This beautiful young lady modeled for me as I was learning new lighting concepts. Today is throw back Thursday on Facebook. I post this as a way of reminding her that each person I've photographed has helped me become better and more skilled.

All in all, no matter what profession I've been in, from musician, to clinician, to artist, I always remember the people who have touched and encouraged my life. That's how we grow, and it's what makes all the hard work and disappointments in life worth the ongoing challenges.

Take a few moments and reflect on how your life has been enriched by people as far back as you can remember. By doing so, we're aware of how we've been blessed without even being aware of it at the time. Maybe you, as well, might feel encouraged to thank someone from your past today!