I won’t go into specifics, but my big sister Lea had a bit of a rough week. We’re nearing her fifth re-birthday since her bone marrow transplant in 2007. She is a heck of a lot better off then she was 5 years ago, but like all of us, there are setbacks and times that feel harder than usual. This is one of those times. I had a pretty crappy week as well: but I didn’t have to deal with my veins collapsing, blood transfusions, health insurance bullshit nor nasty medical procedures like Lea did. So I thought we could all use a little dose of stupid, perfect joy to kickoff our weekend.
Life is all about perspective I guess. A good friend of mine shattered his scapula by coming off his bike going 50 miles per hour down a steep Los Angeles canyon… which will now mean he’s cooped up for a few months while his busted wing heals. I wish I could help the people I care about more. I hate to see the suffering, and I KNOW that people I care about are suffering… so before leaving work tonight, I thought I’d post a few quick photos I made of Lea’s (awesome) son Henry.
There is nothing remarkable about these images… other than the simple joy and awe of being a kid at play. When I saw Henry dressed up in his Fireman’s outfit, I somehow convinced my sister into letting him play with the hose, and then (there is always a then) letting us turn the hose on him. It was so fun. It was so stupid and pointless and perfect.
So I’m sharing these photos now with the hope that my sister sees these, and for a few moments will be lost in the joy of that day. Who knows… maybe someone else will see these and be reminded (as I was) of all the simple, silly, wonderful moments of life that make it all worthwhile. Have a great weekend everyone!***
*** And to all our friends who will never leave us alone with their children now that they see what “creative” and “fun” babysitters Malia and I are: no children were harmed in these making of these photos.
Ginny wedge - These photos are beyond Spectacular!
They are AMAZING!!
You have captured Henry perfectly and what it must feels like to be a little kid being a real fireman for an afternoon.
A very pround Mother and Nana
Heather - Love love love these. I am sure Lea thinks they are amazing.
Kathy Jadallah - Stunning on so many levels!
Stephanie Parry - These are just gorgeous. What a lovely present for Lea, Billy and your family. Very sorry to hear Lea going through such horrible and unpleasant procedures. Here’s hoping things really improve for her in the new year. Henry has grown into such a beautiful boy – you all must be so proud. 🙂
Tom - Fun. When I was his age I would have tried to take over hose and spray down camera gear.
Tammy Hale - These are fabulous! You are a great uncle. Sending healing wishes Lea’s way.
brianwedge - Thanks. It’s hard to take a bad shot of such a cute kid… and Tom, handing him the hose was more dangerous than taking my photo gear into giant surf on the north shore of Hawaii. We had a few near misses. I thought for sure my gear was going to get wet.
Malia - Thanks for being so stinkin’ cute, you guys…what a fun time this was!
Heather L. - Gorgeous pictures of a beautiful boy and his equally beautiful Mom. How lucky are Lea and Henry to have you as their brother/uncle. It breaks my heart to hear about Lea having a tough time with her health.