Choked Up

[Doug West]

Last Tuesday I was giving one of my bird presentations at the Carlisle Reservation
in Lorain County (Ohio) for the Black River Audubon Society.

Afterwards I was talking with the guests and I was getting the usual questions
(what iso, what camera, etc.), when this petite woman came up to me.

She started to tell me how her son got her involved in photography and
they'd go out together photographing birds. Then he died suddenly. She said it
hurt so much she put the camera away.

She's hugging me and crying while telling me all of this.

But after my presentation she said I inspired her to try again.

Then she just ran off before I could get her name or to even talk to her.
Heck, I was crying a little also.

I'm like 'wow', you know. That totally caught me off guard. It's a week
later and I'm still feeling...actually its hard to describe what I am feeling.
It's like I'm happy, yet I'm sad.

Just wish I knew her name. Nobody at the society knew who she was, so
she must've just walked in off the streets from seeing one of the advertisements.

I have a workshop coming up on the 15th and I can't get the image of her crying
out of my mind.

Thanks for listening.

Doug

[Chris Martinez]

I'm sure once you let some time pass you'll feel pretty good about the encounter. :S3:

[Grace Scalzo]

Doug, there is almost nothing as powerful as touching someone with your art. I hope that you reflect on this conversation with peace, knowing that you've inspired a soul and perhaps aided in her healing.

[Marina Scarr]

What a moving story, Doug, and I can understand how you are troubled by this. I agree with Grace that it seems pretty obvious that your presentation and photography moved her into getting back out there.

[Doug West]

Thanks everyone.

I'm happy on the inside, but yet, when she ran out, it kind of left me hanging there, you know?
Kind of like not being able to end the story if that makes sense.

Doug

[James Shadle]

Wow is right. How could you not get choked up - robot maybe.
I would contact the Black River Audubon, they probably could follow up for you.

[Doug West]

I did follow up. They have no idea who she was. She was just somebody who
walked in for the presentation.

Doug

[Bill Jobes]

Hi Doug,

She probably found out about the presentation through the Black River Audubon Society.

Their web site has an Announcements page.

Perhaps they'd let you post a request there for her to contact you.

I hope your mystery is solved !