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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Pictures I couldn't take

Maybe if I were a professional photographer I could overcome the pain to capture the moment. Maybe if I were a photojournalist I could get past the desperation to make a name for myself. But I am not. For as many pictures as I did take, there were just as many more that I could not. I could not bring myself to photograph the line at the grocery store. Where people waited in a long line to be searched before entering. To try to find some food and supplies at the only grocery store open in an area with a population of about 200,000 people. At a store where we waited in line 4 hours to buy gas for my generator - a luxury I will never take for granted. Where my son had to stand in line to get into the store to take my youngest daughter to the bathroom while my middle child and I waited in the gas line. The desperation in the eyes of those who need to feed their kids. Needing ice to keep what little supplies they had left cold. I couldn't take those pictures - but I will always have them. Etched in my mind. Forever.

And then, there were more pictures I couldn't take, but for a different reason. As I surveyed the damage in my community, I realized that no picture could truly capture the enormity of the destruction. The wide-spread devastation. No photo could do any of it justice.

So I just sat and watched. And contemplated how truly blessed I am.

4 comments:

Karen said...

I never cease to be amazed at how things like this put everything into perspective - when everything we think of as "normal" is gone, and we are left to pick up the pieces. I have learned that the very existence of "normal" is reason enough to be thankful, for in the boring everyday-edness of life, we are TRULY blessed, indeed.

My prayers are with you, and with those who will be without their "normal" for a very long time.

Anonymous said...

Hugs, Amanda. I can't begin to imagine. You are blessed indeed.

Jaimie said...

Wow Amanda...truly blessed for sure, it really puts things into perspective. *hugs* I am glad that you and the family are safe and home.

Unknown said...

Wow, Amanda...what a moving post! I'm really enjoying reading about your journey through the last couple of weeks.