IBC and Figs
True admiration is a visceral feeling. Similar to my semi-annual shot of Patrón, it burns my innards and radiates from my core all the way down to my toenails and ricochets up against my eyebrows… a fireworks display that even a blind man can see. I can unwrap this gift as many times as I wish simply by allowing myself to recall a moment that made me laugh, taught me something, or simply blessed me with the sunshine of another’s presence and truth. Any one of those many (yet never enough) moments urges me to be, and to do… better.
His unique spirit was brewed, blended, and so kindly offered to me. In a family that I was a part of for twenty three years, he was the one that celebrated the splashing of unfamiliar waters. While most prefer the calmer, quieter, placid lakes of conversation, Chuck also welcomed turbulence into his river and off to whitewater falls we occasionally paddled. I could throw anything honest at him, and he responded in kind. Our shared laughter, direct eye contact, and sincere hugs were ironclad proof of his acceptance. Maybe it was his Louisiana roots that saw my “photographer/musician weird” as a colorful bird that flew in and sat on his couch. Whatever it was that made him who he is, I am grateful for it.
I am so grateful for him sharing how sincerely proud he is of his two sons. The profound respect that he has for each of them and the very different paths that they walk. His voice swelled with pride as he spoke about Keith’s massage career and David’s roofing business. The inspiring love that he has for them and especially for his beautiful wife Barbara… who somehow, no matter how many years pass, looks like a yoga instructor and is the best cook in the family!
So I occasionally choose the fig jelly and remember… because figs are a Chuck favorite. I bite into that biscuit and recall drinking IBC with Chuck and our laughter just after Barbara said “root beer tastes like soap.” He told me that his favorite music is instrumental and how much he loves frog legs.
This is not a eulogy, but simply a love letter for love that I kind of lost, but also love that I still hold. Chuck is my reminder that no matter how different people are, they bring a unique blend of gifts for us to open and enjoy.
Portrait lighting benefits from creative angles and different shapes of illumination. So may our humanity be lit and brightened by our willingness to appreciate another’s light in our scene. I have always loved Chuck’s light.
