This little house calls me back - even on days when I shouldn't be out there photographing it. I wonder the story, I wonder who lived there. I'm not sure why it's become so special to me. For some reason it seems to validate my obsession with home. It greets me with something beautiful and surprising every time I've gone out to photograph it. I'm rewarded with something different every time I've showed up. I've come to need this little house in my life - which is why I photograph it. I've come to need certain people in my life. I can't even fight it any longer. Now, it's a fact.
In the needing of each other, there's a loving without demand or condition. I'm going to love you without placing ridiculous demands or conditions. The idea that you'll do the same. The idea that we'll hang in there even when some of the rules are broken.
In loving, I keep this quote in mind:
As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have - something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.
Fred Rogers
The World According to Mister Rogers
I've been fortunate enough to have had grandparents that laid a perfect foundation of love. It's something for me to hold on to in the murky waters of this world. If offered me a strong sense of self and a stronger sense of love. They left me a legacy of love and what it means to show up for each other, for their family consistently, for me. Without fail -- they were relentless when it came down to showing up and how they loved me. I'll be forever grateful for their example.
There's a magic in being able to show others how rare and beautiful they are. It's why I don't ever hold those feelings back. There's no time.
The land the house rests on was sold for a large construction project. What I've loved about it is that they haven't knocked it down. They've maintained it and the barns behind it. There's always a moment when I drive that way, I'm wondering if it'll still be there which is why I photograph it every moment I can.
I decided some time ago that I'd love in the same way. I'd make sure I would show you and tell you in every way I could. I wanted others to know. I don't care who knows. The fact remains, this is how I sleep well at night. I want to show up for you. I want to be there for you. I want to love you whether or not your life is in the best order or your behavior is less than stellar. It doesn't matter to me. The good thing about real love is that when it's real, there's nothing you have to do for it. It's just there. Always remember that - you don't work for the love of others. It's just given. It's there even when you're in disagreement. It's there whether or not you comply with their wishes. In that way, I've been able to see people and situations differently. I've also managed to come across some of the most stellar human beings anyone could ever know. I'm thankful.
If I'm lucky enough, I'll be old like the house some day. Not empty or abandoned, but old, beautiful and holding my ground with a story to tell. I hope the house knows I love it and I'll visit it as long as it stands. I'll be near the end of my time, but my legacy will be the thing left standing. I hope that will be a legacy of love.