Kip’s Comments - December 7, 2023

Soaring with Dignity

When I saw this scene early this morning I had to photograph it. The picture, to most, will be insignificant. To me the composition vividly reminded me of a special time spent with a friend as we visited the National Mall and military memorials in Washington DC. In particular, I thought of the Air Force Memorial. No, my vision from this morning does not exactly replicate the memorial, but it did trigger clear thoughts… special memories.

Soaring Jet - Image 859385

As the jet moved higher into the sky and away from the sun cresting the horizon, I kept shooting pictures. Even as I pressed the shutter release when the plane was beyond my frame, I was thinking somehow this disconnected view, this composition of incomplete and wondering… maybe some day I would want this composition. Some day the view may have meaning.

Soaring Jet - Image 859396

Who would have imagined that eight hours or so later Kristy and I, the chaplain, and your daughter would be near you, at your bedside, when your journey here ended as you left us to soar far higher in a place far nicer? Was that why I continued to shoot photos? Was it simple irony that the second photo now speaks to me of you more than the first photo that reminded me of you this morning?

Life… and death… tend to be mysteries. I cannot make sense of today. We hurt for our loss, we are thankful for you and your journeys, and I appreciated dignity at this special time. You deserved it.

Rest in peace my friend.