Never underestimate the power of a camera

Today I went to a memorial for a friend, well not a well known friend, more of someone who did a lot of work on my house, spending time with him and Steve (I have put Steve on my post before) I was able to get to know this unique kind of soul. Unique is a really good title for him. Didn't have a lot to say, unless something needed to be said, a fabulous carpenter, did an incredible job on my keystone blocks outside of my house and that was A LOT of work 26 pounds per block and they laid about 350 and 400 of them!

Rode his bike everywhere even in the winters here. Well, that is how he passed away, riding his bike hit some rocks and flew over the handle bars.

Today's memorial was a B's BBQ and wow did he have a lot of friends show up. We went to say our condolences and mainly to see Steve, knowing it was his best friend.

I remembered last night that I had taken some pictures of both of them in front of the chicken coop, (they both built it) when it was finished back in April.

Didn't think anything more of it until last night. I got up first thing this morning, pulled up the four pictures, cropped them and went on to CVS's website (I normally send my pics to Walgreens too) and had them printed. I try to keep a few picture frames on hand just for spur of the moment just like this.

See, Ree Drummond from the Pioneer Woman taught me that, just take pictures of anything and anyone, put it into a frame and give it as a gift to someone for a "just because", you will be amazed how people are so surprised and in awe that you thought enough to do something so personal. I've even had people cry.

After church, we went to CVS, got the pictures, I put one in a frame and the others in the gift bag and away we went to the memorial.

We had got there and waited for Steve to show up, he did not too long after and I handed him the gift bag. He just stood there, not really even knowing what to do, I told him to open it and it was just for him. He opened the little gift bag and just kept starring at it. Then he hugged me for the longest time. He said he didn't have any pictures of him, (guys don't think of taking or keeping photos) and the one he did have got destroyed when he went looking for it.

He thanked me and thanked me for it. I can't tell you how good that felt just to do something so simple for someone I know was hurting.

I got a phone call a couple of hours later from Steve again thanking me for the picture and the thought it took.

I am chocking up in writing this post, but I wanted to tell you, when people are grumping about your camera in their face, remember, you are taking that moment in time and holding on to it, you will never know how important it will be to someone someday.


Cas as you can guess is on the right next to the window