The Moment.

"Got my face pushed up against the nursery glass,
she's sleeping like a rock,
my name on her wrist,
wearing tiny pink socks,
she's got my nose,
she's got her Mama's eyes,
my brand new baby girl,
she's a miracle,
I Saw God Today."


These lyrics are from one of George Strait's albums, "Troubadour." Whether or not you are a country music fan, the words that he sings hit a real chord with me---one that I never saw myself enjoying when I was younger and a die hard rock n' roll fan. 


I remember many many years ago when my Mom had a country music station pre-set into her car radio and I thought, "this must be a mistake." I think it was---the next time I was in her car it was no longer there. My first time really listening to country music was in the early 1990's---the song was by Randy Travis of what I recall. It happened in a cab in Chicago. Go figure.


What I found so appealing about country music were the words; unlike rock n' roll or other music formats, it kind of talks to me. I have listened long and hard to lyrics about "living like you were dying," "Who's that Man," and hundreds of other songs that are really etched upon my mind. For some crazy reason, they touch my soul. I know it's sappy, but for me it's true.


What spurred today's "Snap. Shot." was what I heard on the radio the other day. Very similar to myself, it told of the story of a man who was driving down the highway and heard the song, "I Saw God Today." A die hard rocker, he mistakenly had hit the search button his radio. He heard the song and for some reason didn't switch the station. Having become a Dad for the first time recently, he was stunned to hear the words that made so much for who he was now. A new Dad with a new daughter in his life. I totally got it.


What really got to me was the man heard this song while he was driving down Highway 55 from Chicago to Bloomington, IL---I also learned he lived in one of the Chicago suburbs; this was on a nationally syndicated radio show that plays on our country music station each weekend. What hit me was...he is from the community where I live---Glen Ellyn, IL. I knew there was a reason I had tuned in yesterday.


The photo above has been in "Snap. Shot." before. About 3 years ago, my daughters and I were at the Brookfield Zoo when a mother giraffe and her calf were in a confined area due to extreme cold at the zoo. I watched them for several minutes---also making sure my daughters were okay---and the mother  giraffe came up and nuzzled with her son. I missed the shot completely. I just thought, "That would have been a great photo." A moment later, like she felt my disappointment, she went and did it again---I didn't miss it this time. Whereas I would not say I saw God that Day, I did see a magical moment.


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I have figured out I am getting older.

I knew something was up.  Sure enough they were right----everyday we actually do get older. Who would have thought?

A few weeks ago, the annual carnival made its annual visit to the parking lot facing the oldest grocery store; not only the oldest store in our community, but likely the entire county. (I think it was opened in the 1870s.)  Fortunately the food is not from opening day.

The carnival used to be my favorite part of summer---growing up we always knew it was on its way as the signs were placed in the windows of retailers of its pending arrival and the parking lot where it was held, had barricades up making sure no one parked where the rides were soon to be placed.  I don’t remember all of the rides, but the one I loved most was called,  the “Scrambler.”

If you are familiar with the ride, it spins in a broad circle as the cars weave in and out appearing to nearly miss one another. They always did miss, but sometimes I wondered.  When we went on the Scrambler, we always tried to squeeze the person who rode with us; centrifugal forced pushed you against them and the goal was to make them so winded they could not catch their breath.  I am not sure if they still call it by the same name, but I know it is still around.

The problem now is I can’t ride on it any more; any ride that spins is completely off limits. It doesn’t matter if it’s a carnival or playground ride, just watching it can make me feel ill. I have learned, from the other parents at the carnival, that I am not alone.  Last year, after a lot of begging from my daughter, I took a ride on a one that spun.  For this ride, you lay down and rise up and down all going in one direction. I kept my eyes straightforward, didn’t look to see how the kids were doing, and prayed I was not going to get sick. Luckily I didn’t, but I really felt bad the rest of the day. 

One point of difference between the good ol’ days and today is the price to ride and feel miserable after you get off the ride.  I remember the tickets were a dime and all you needed was one ticket per ride. Today, they are more than a dollar per ticket and the minimum to ride is two to three tickets. What do we do? For $15 or so dollars, you can the wristband that allows you to ride as many rides as you can over several hours. Although I didn’t ride any, based upon the way I felt after 3.5 hours, you would have thought I was on everyone of them.

The photo above is of a playground ride at our local park. You get on, hold tight and spin around. Ugh. Just taking the picture made me dizzy. What has happened to me? Oh yeah, I think I have gotten older.

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Family.

For most of us, we have family. Some are larger than others, but in general we have someone who is related to us. I don’t know how you could possibly not have any relatives or family, but I am sure there is one way or another. So let’s assume most of us have someone they can point to as a member of their family.

What really makes a family interesting are the stories and background that mold it; we all have stories---some are skeletons in the closet, and some are “don’t let this ever be repeated” moments---that have occurred through the generations of merging, blending and creating.

What’s interesting is when you “invade” a family due to a second marriage; I know, I fall into that situation. The term “blending” could not be more accurate for me. Some of it has been a “smoothie” and some of it a “rocky road.” But in the end it has all worked.

There is another side to the story---and that’s when you leave it through divorce or a situation that ends your status as a family member. It happens.

Joining another family, for sure, has its benefits---you meet new people who are interested in meeting you and vice versa. But it also has its challenging times; you encounter new situations that you never thought you would deal with---this has been part of the “merger” and although some of it has been very difficult to deal with, in the end it is what makes you who you are. There is no escaping the truth.

My wife’s sister and brother in law were someone I didn’t know for the first part of my marriage; I had met them, but due to prior situations, really didn’t know them at all. I had heard about their life, knew of some of the challenges that had encountered, but all in all, I really didn’t know them besides by name. I am very happy to say that has all changed and now we have welcomed one another into our respective lives. I am very thankful for that---I really do like them a lot.

I love my family, and whereas you can never pick those who will make it up, I would say all in all life has worked out pretty well.

The photo above is of my wife’s sister, husband and children. There is an important child missing from the photo however; nearly 9 years ago, they lost their daughter Devan to cancer. She was 4 years old. I had never met Devan, but she lives through our daughter, Audrey---she carries her name. We can never choose our families, but in this case, I would say the cards all played in my favor.

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Mothers and Daughters.

I have never been either one of the above, but I do know something about them. I know that Mothers are irreplaceable in the eyes of their kids and daughters can be wonderful and challenging at the same time.

When I tell people I have 5 “females” in our home, they consistently give me a look of---“Oh man.” Funny, when you hear of someone having only boys, or a mix, the look is a lot different. I suspect being the only male in our household, it conjures up a number of thoughts---he doesn’t stand a chance to I am sure he is the focal point in the household. Both are correct. But when it comes to being a focal point it’s more along the lines of walking a very narrow rope because I am the male and what do I know anyway?

Don’t worry about me---I am doing fine.

This summer is going to be an interesting one; as the girls grow up, they are discovering much more about themselves and are asking, rather demanding, the “freedom” the one before them had had. It might be going out after 9 PM, staying up later, or even something as simple as going to the pool and playing with friends without Mom or Dad hovering near by.  We do watch them very carefully, but there are also dozens of lifeguards at the pool---for us, it’s kind of nice but we would never  let them know.

I remember when I was a kid I wanted everything my kids are now asking for; the only difference---now there are so many more options available to occupy their time.  Summer in St. Louis was all about being out of doors, at the pool or on our bikes racing through the neighborhood. It was a time I not only treasured, but yearned for as summer dissolved into fall and fall into winter.

Mothers and daughters have a very special bond---one that is very difficult to understand when you are a guy. I should know--- but I also know that as a father I play a role in their life that is different but very important. This is something I would never exchange no matter how many times I have to hear the yelling in our household about clothes being worn, not being ready to leave, and countless other reasons I don’t always understand.

The photo above was taken in North Carolina a few years back. Our youngest was having a moment of need with her Mom. Like a great Mom she came down to her level and let her know she was there to answer any question she had. Being a Mother and daughter---something I will never fully understand.

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Long arm across the pond.

Last month we had a guest in our home from France. Romane is a senior in high school from a small town in southern France; we agreed to having her because we thought she would add a nice balance to our family for the two weeks she was in the U.S. I am not sure how she could have possibly added "balance" to our home as we have 5 females and moi. (About the only French I know by the way.)

When she arrived she was tired from the trip. With more than 20 students, accompanied by 2 chaperons, we were not sure how we were going to do with this arrangement. Why? Well we were under the impression she was fairly well versed in English; she knew many words, but communication in the beginning was not easy. We did a lot of sign language and pointing---we learned to communicate and it was really interesting to see it develop.

While she was in the U.S. , and specifically Chicago, she saw more in 13 days than the average Chicagoan has seen in 13 years. She went to restaurants, ballgames, and landmarks that make Chicago the worldwide destination it has become---living up to Chicago's reputation, the weather stunk while she was here. Figures.

We learned a lot about Romane while she was with us; we learned of her family, her boyfriend, her culture. It was not that different from ours, but in many ways it was a million miles from the life our kids live. In some ways better and in other ways the opposite. One thing I will say, she did not want to leave.
She said this more than one time, "I do not want to go back;" I said, "Sure you do...you have family, friends and your boyfriend waiting for you at home."

For a while I was concerned she was serious.

Life has gotten back to normal in our home; we now have more of the arguing back between the girls---it was fairly tame when she was here---but you can be assured it's in solid form and we are not going out as often. Although it was fun.

Romane has asked us to visit her family, and whereas I think that's a great idea, I suggested next time she is in the neighborhood to stop by. I don't see us going to France anytime soon. Although our oldest daughter at home will be leaving for Rwanda next month. Yes, that Rwanda. More on that in a future "Snap. Shot."

The photo above was taken of Romane and 2 of her friends; I don't know their names---but I know they were very nice and extremely well versed in French. By the way, Romane is the one on the right---you might notice she does not have a pierced tongue. She does however have a piercing where a necklace would usually lie. However, there is one thing missing---there is no chain. It's under her skin...ouch. We would like to see Romane again---I suspect the next time will be in a photo she will send to us.

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Fear. Factor.

Okay, I will admit, I am not a huge risk taker at times. I guess, as I have gotten older, I recognize the dangers in riding a bicycle with no hands, walking into areas I know are not safe and am sure I could not fight off anyone who approached me, or cooking. I am kidding about cooking although many will tell you, I am good for only a few dishes and they are usually prepared in the microwave or on the grill.

We all have our individual fears---they can range from phobias to the usual fear that is generally accepted by many such as snakes, sharks, or hockey pucks flying into the stands. (I have been “fortunate” to encounter 2 of the 3, and I have seen a shark in the ocean before---but it was well off the shore.)

Probably my ultimate fear, besides illness, death or financial insecurity, is the thought of encountering a shark. Thanks to Steven Spielberg and his “terrifying” movie, Jaws, I still hear the thumping sounds when I venture into the ocean. Fortunately I don’t hear it when I go into a lake or local body of water, because if that was the case I would be going crazy.

Within the past year or so, affixed to the largest building in Chicago, a new attraction has made its presence. It’s called “The Skydeck Ledge.” For those who have a fear of walking outside of a hotel room on to your veranda, this baby is not for you.

Located 103 stories above ground, you step out on to a glass “box” with plenty of sky above and street level more than 1300 feet below. In other words, if you step on and it has a structural flaw, you are not going to have the opportunity to tell anyone about your news. You will be the news.

I am fortunate to have overcome a number of fears as I have gotten older. I used to be terrified of public speaking and now, I am one of the guys who love to present in front of groups---a few months ago I spoke at a “community meeting” regarding adding lights to a football field in the area where I live. I was not scheduled to speak, I just raised my hand. Part of me is still surprised I did it, but something very positive came out of it. A topic for another “Snap. Shot.”

The photo was taken at Willis Tower AKA the Sears Tower in Chicago. There are 4 extensions on the 103^rd floor of the tower. I have to admit, before I took the first step, I looked down to make sure there was a floor; although it was glass, I took a very cautious first step. Fortunately I was not the news of the day. One funny event did happen that day; while I was taking photos I asked a group of teens if they would do something funny while they were on the ledge. If you look closely, you will see one of the guys is about 6 inches off the ground as he did jump up and down. Had the glass given way, I would have felt very bad, but I would have had one heck of a photo.

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Why Me?

I am reasonably sure we have all said the above at one time or another in our lives. It might be some great news where you were shocked into muttering these two words. Or, there is always the flip side where you struggle to understand why something has happened or is happening. For some reason, there is always a reason.

Looking back over the past few years I have pondered this thought. Many times from both sides. Having been unemployed, losing my mother, or having a daughter go through what we thought at the time was a near death experience, will cause you to question. For me it sure did.

Then there is the flip side. Why have I been so fortunate to see my children grow, spend quality time with the ones I love, and develop a business around a passion. In other words, “Why Me?” Too deep? 

You bet it is.

Fate is a funny thing. Just when you think you have reached your highest high or lowest low, something can turn your world upside down or right side up. It happens, and when it does, there we go thinking, “Why Me?”

In the past few months I have been working on a plan to shoot more football photography in the fall. I certainly have shot a lot in the past, but I want to take it to a much higher level. In late January a friend of mine probably did the biggest favor I could have asked for regarding photography. Greg is on our local football team committee and he asked during a meeting, “Why do we use a photographer from outside the area?” The response he received was, “Do you know someone who we should be talking to?” He simply said, “I sure do.”

The rest is history.

It is likely that this fall I will be shooting more than 200,000 photos. A ridiculous amount until I sit back and think, “Why Me?” Because I love to shoot pictures.

Life has it challenges and it has its rewards; when I was at a recent event at House of Blues here in Chicago (yes I was there to photograph) I was asked if I would be interested in shooting an event for the City Of Hope. Without their having ever seen one of my photographs, I said, “You bet I will.”  Why Me? 

Because no matter how upside my world can be I am fortunate for what cards have been dealt to me.

The photo above was taken at Millennium Park in Chicago; photographed probably a million times by a million photogrpahers, this image appeared and I knew I had to take it. I stepped back, focused the camera, and started snapping. Why did I stop? There is a hole in the middle of the tower and it sprays water; on this 40-degree miserable day, I got soaked. All I could say as I walked away with very wet pants was, “Why Me?”

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