My friend Mike became the seventh death I've had in my life in 2010. Since he died on August 1, that's an average of one a month, although it hasn't been that way in reality. In reality he was number three in a four day period, and it's been about a month since the one before that group. I shot Mike's marriage to one of my best friends, and the images used for the memorial program came from that. As far as I know it's the first time my images have been used with a funeral program, although as a photojournalist I have shot many images of scenes that preceded funerals. I always hated that, but this felt different.
I remember working with Mike last summer and talking about program and spirituality with him. Mike helped me to stretch myself, and he will be greatly missed. But while I feel so overloaded, like wave after wave of death is hitting me at high tide, I am not afraid of drowning. Through the ten deaths since December of last year, I have found my God able to keep me from drowning in the remorse, loss, and even guilt that has followed so many. What a change from the past and my attempts to drown away the feelings of ache and loss that come with death. I am so grateful for the steps I've taken that have led me to a place where I can face even death after death with freedom and serenity.
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