Over the past few years, I have spent a lot of time reading, writing and learning about finding hope after the loss of my son. Recently, one of those paths has lead me to photography. I take pictures of things and envision sharing them with him. It’s been one of the things I have found helpful on my journey of hope.
One important lesson I’ve come to appreciate is the difference between seeing with your eyes and seeing with your mind. What started as an aspiration to take better pictures has become a journey on learning to see. I’ve typically been one of those people who have often wondered how others notice things I miss. It wasn’t until I started looking through a lens that I began to truly appreciate that seeing is about much more than vision. What you see on the other end of that lens is influenced by your experiences, attitude, expectations and even faith. Now, I bring that view even when I am not looking through a camera. I realize I’ve watched a lot of things in my life, but I’ve only seen a fraction.
Like so many other instances in the past few years, what started as a way to stay connected with my son has led to growth and learning in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I want to show him things, and through that, he is showing me how to see. I am so grateful that he continues to influence and inspire me. Now, this influences how I try to take pictures. I call it the Rose Colored Lens and it’s dedicated to my son.
AJ Collette 
Very beautiful post. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HOPE IS A THING WITH FEATHERS
Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
LikeLiked by 1 person