Congratulations to Colin F for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 3 votes - View Previous Winners
It's possible that this will be the last thread I start, as I have recently been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
Needless to say this has been devastating, as I am a "young" 59 year old who's never smoked, was athletic, and maintained a good diet. This death sentence strikes indiscriminately, and the general prognosis is 2-5 years to live. They don't know what causes it, and there is no cure.
I presently have no desire to pick up the camera, as I feel like, "what's the point?" Perhaps that will change in time, I don't know.
I will likely be shutting down (or selling) my sign business at some point soon, but may continue if my symptoms progress at a slow rate. We will also likely need to sell our house as our present home is not wheelchair friendly and would cost too much to alter. The yardwork and upkeep would also be too much for my wife to do by herself. Many major decisions to be made.
The two worst things about this disease is not knowing the speed at which my decline will be, making it impossible to know how to plan ahead, but also the thought of my dear, sweet wife having to go on without me. I haven't been able to sleep, so now taking a sleeping pill.
Anyway, here's my third batch on the theme of Feathers & Food", observing various birds acquiring their sustenance.
I love what you do with these photos. Such a cool and different perspective.
Also I am so sorry for the personal situation you are going through. Such devastating news. Hopefully you will be lucky and have many more years with your wife and your camera.
None of us know what the future will bring, we can only live each day fully and with as much joy as possible. I wish you and your family many good days to offset the lousy ones as time passes.
Beautiful set Colin. Very sorry to hear of your diagnose. Hopefully you will feel like picking up the camera again. If this is truly your last post then I wish you and your family best wishes through the tough times.
I'm terribly sorry to learn this Colin. Your photography is spectacular and this set a continuation of your beautiful work. Photography can be great therapy for what ails the mind. Possibly picking up your camera and taking more stunning would distract you from your situation.
Beautiful set! So sorry about the diagnosis, Colin. I agree with Morris, photography can be great therapy. Photography can't change what happens, but at least it can ease your mind temporarily. I really enjoy your work. You have great talent.
Ahhh man Colin. I always look forward to seeing your work....always the "Cream of the Crop".
Praying you defy the odds Colin and do so in a way that you can enjoy your life and maybe see purpose in picking up the camera again or maybe some brushes to paint some of your top shelf photography.
Sincerely hoping this is not your last post Colin. Not so much that we will be missing out on the joy of viewing your images, but more so in hopes that you'll once again find solace and joy in something that you've obviously been so passionate about. Speaking for myself, your work has been an inspiration. So sorry to hear the news.
Gary
I feel the devastation of your ALS dignosis. We feel the sorrow, and the diffiulty of your decisions.
We all can understand the diagnosis taking away your will to pursue nature. At the same time continuing to pursue nature may be therapeutic for you in ways you cannot see now.
I should have told you this before: I could never see how a photographer of your talent could improve on their work. It’s that good.
Maybe that is why you and Geoff hang together on those waters. All the best!
We’ll be watching you, thinking of you and praying for you now Colin.
Colin, your work is an inspiration to me and many others. I don't have the words to adequately express my sorrow for what you and your family are going through. May you find the strength and comfort to sustain you through these most difficult of times.
Very sorry to hear the news. Your images are always unique.
Please see if this link is useful as you can see what the biotechs are pursuing in terms of novel therapies of ALS. There was a recent news from Biogen as well.
Colin, as always stellar work. Thanks for sharing your art and I have enjoyed each and everyone of your photos. Glad that I could see your vision and live vicariously through your eyes. So proud of you and privileged to say that you got my vote.
Sincerely.
KD Acharya
