Old Friends

was twenty seven years old, I thought I was a man but, looking back, I was still just a boy in many ways. It was my first day on a new job and I was sizing everybody up trying to gain insight as to who they were without asking too many questions. The job was a tough job, very physical and all outdoors. As my eyes scanned the workers I noticed they all had things in common; they were sweaty, they were dirty, and they didn't seem to be in a particularly good mood. Then I noticed this man standing at the end of a bench wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. He was as clean as a pin, shirt tail tucked neatly in, belt buckle cinched up just right and directly over the zipper. He had a warm smile and seemed to be a lot older than he actually was ... he was mature beyond his years.
Over the years I've gotten to know Mike well and the longer I know him the more respect I have for him. He can do anything, build anything. Honestly, if I ever need a heart transplant I'll see if Mike can make me a heart out of wood ... I'm sure he could make it work!! With all of his talent the thing I like most about him is his heart. He taught me an awful lot about how to work with my hands and to "get on my work and not get my work on me". The greatest lesson I learned from Mike was to love people and use things rather than use people and love things.

I had the privilege to photograph my friend's granddaughter, Elizabeth, the other day... it was special!