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09-AUG-2004

John's Hands

I looked at John's hand today and thought of how they had been
through three wars, starting as a gunner in a B29 at the age of
eighteen, nurtured four children, cared for his first wife for
years when she had Alzheimer's disease....and moved rocks all over
the place for me....and how the thing he misses most is his chain saw.
How he loved getting out and cutting down the Junipers.....great hands.
Hands that have been through so much and now rest in his lap.

Black and White version added: http://www.pbase.com/petesie/image/32400054

Nikon Coolpix 4500
1/91s f/4.0 at 16.4mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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J. Scott Coile14-Feb-2006 22:04
Wow, Petesie. That is powerful. What a beautiful touching memory. You are my valentine today :)
Muriah06-Mar-2005 17:33
Petesie, This is so touching. What a wonderful testimony and tribute, visually and verbally, heart to heart. With both in black and white, it is even more powerful.
http://www.pbase.com/image/32400054
A short story with a similar focus touched me deeply years ago. A man, in his final moments, is gazing at his hands and remembering some of what they have done for him in his life and saying goodbye to them.. A collection of short stories by a naturalist.
I am re-inspired with your image and words and just now ordered the book from Amazon. The book reviews alone are worth the visit.
The Immense Journey : An Imaginative Naturalist Explores the Mysteries of Man and Nature (Vintage) -- by LOREN EISELEY; Paperback new: $7.50
Guest 06-Mar-2005 03:42
This is a marvelous image Petesie. Very much a story waiting to be told photo. I'd love to see it in black and white! Lisa
Guest 08-Feb-2005 17:46
that is a poignant image, even without your moving words. All the best to you both.
Guest 02-Feb-2005 01:18
Your words and this image really moved me,Petesie. I've been looking at alot of hands lately and just found this image today. Love it!!!
Guest 26-Jan-2005 02:06
Such a touching shot, and your words really moved me.
virginiacoastline08-Jan-2005 02:26
I love this shot of John .. I think you did well with it . . I could easily see this framed and on a wall =]
jypsee11-Aug-2004 19:56
Y'know, I was looking at my ma's hands the other day and thinking about all the things she's accomplished with those hands...she's on dialysis now and is fairly limited in her activity but she likes to keep her "hand in" her daily life; it must be hard to have reached the time when the hand one always gave others now must accept a limit in ability. Very expressive photo.
Stu11-Aug-2004 19:40
Very touching. John is a lucky man to have you, and I'm sure he knows it.
Argishti Khachik11-Aug-2004 08:18
Beautiful. This shot is so touching petesie!
cheers
Coleen 10-Aug-2004 20:21
God bless this gentle giant.
Guest 10-Aug-2004 14:26
My dear Grandpa's hands. Okay, where's a tissue.
Jude Marion10-Aug-2004 12:42
This is a lovely image ... very powerful and very moving. These hands tell a story.
Larry Ahern10-Aug-2004 11:14
Hard to express what this make one feel ... very very spacial!!
Guest 10-Aug-2004 03:26
Positively wonderful! Would LOVE to see it in black and white.
snootydog10-Aug-2004 03:02
This brought me to tears too Petesie. The simplicity of these elegant and proud hands coupled with your narrative is just so deep and moving. I do so recognize the stroke filled hands that "just sit in a lap" You are a beautiful soul Ms Petesie. I bet John is proud to call you his wife.
Karen Leaf10-Aug-2004 01:47
I am moved beyond words, Petesie. This a remarkable photo even without your loving tribute.
I will remember this a very long time.
Carmen10-Aug-2004 01:23
Beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. We live so much through our hands.
Gayle P. Clement10-Aug-2004 01:02
Petesie, this is so touching. He sounds like a mine to be very proud of. My prayers are with you both.
Gayle P. Clement10-Aug-2004 01:00
Oh, Petesie.
Rick10-Aug-2004 00:58
John sounds like a hero to me in many ways.
Guest 10-Aug-2004 00:58
Oh, wow, Petesie, this is a profound and moving image. I don't think I've ever been quite so affected by anyone's PaD before. I am at a loss for words. This is amazing. Thank you for sharing.
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