Her Final Destination

[Donald]

There will not, I think, be many times when an image has such personal and emotional meaning that it is impossible for the creator of that image to assess it objectively as a piece in its own right. I have encountered that situation now.

The image below was captured on Saturday, May 16th 2015. Twenty four hours earlier, on Friday 15th, I was in a small boat on the water that you see in this picture and, in accordance with her wishes, scattered the ashes of my beautiful partner and wife, Sheila, who died on December 31st 2014. Her wish was that her her ashes be scattered off the west coast of Scotland.

This is taken from beside the Stoerhead Lighthouse in Assynt in the north-west of Scotland. The Minch is that stretch of water between the mainland and the Western Isles, which, on a good day, you would be able to see on the horizon in this picture. After that it's next stop America.

So this is my tribute; My memory. My posting it here is part of my journey to the future. Your comments about it as a piece of photography will, of course, always be welcome.

[shreds]

A very personal and moving moment Donald, thank you for sharing it with us.

I really feel unworthy to comment and cannot find appropriate words unfortunately. Very moving.

Ian

[Digital]

Donald, thank you for sharing.



Bruce

[Shadowman]

Nicely presented, thank you for sharing this memorial with us.

[joebranko]

Thanks for sharing. Very moving.

[terrib]

It's a beautiful tribute, Donald. The expanse is wide from there to America, but the connections you make with your photographs make the distance seem very small.

[purplehaze]

Donald, I think it is wonderful. To me, the ocean suggests your future, as yet unknown, but firmly anchored on land and memory and the love represented by a bench built for two.

[rpcrowe]

Donald,

Thank you for sharing. I think that I may have an idea of your feelings regarding the image.

I lost my late wife to cancer in 1988. As, I suspect it was with you, my life turned upside down. I lost a wife, a friend and a partner as well as my prime supporter in life.

I never thought that it would happen, but a few years later, I met and fell in love with my present wife! We have just recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary (I was married for 14 years to my first wife).

Regarding the image, it succinctly tells of loss and loneliness. Take care of yourself, my friend...

[zen]

Donald,

A moving memorial, indeed.

The empty, waiting bench, the sea, and the misty distance beyond all tell me she is there - waiting for your visit. She is there . . . Visit her often.

I join with Richard in understanding the anguish of your loss.

Zen

[Polar01]

Donald:
Very, very nice indeed a moving memorial.

Allan

[Ziggy]

Your image speaks a thousand words.

[DEAN01]

A moving tribute and memorial, Donald. Thank you for sharing.

[Mike Buckley]

I wonder if it will help you to know that I took considerable time to examine the image before reading your narrative. I didn't even notice the title of the thread until the very last, after reading your narrative. (I opened the thread because I noticed your name as the OP.) The image on its own is nothing short of stunning.

The narrative and thread title are heart-wrenching on their own, but they are made even more so by the quality of the image. I could go on and on about the image, the narrative, and the thread title, but this is one of those times that even I can recognize that less really, truly is more.

[dje]

Donald there is a certain poignancy to this image - the loneliness of the empty seat, the power of the waves, the almost infinite nature of the sea as it makes it's way to the horizon and the sense of uncertanty in the sky. It emphasises the sense of helplessness we can sometimes feel in life.

I think it will serve as a wonderful memorial to your dear wife, I sincerely hope it does.

Dave

[Bobobird]

From the heart, I do not know how to respond to this picture.

[Rita]

There is an expression that says "A picture paints a thousand words". I think this is a fitting statement to a most wonderful image. It speaks of your heartbreak and the love you had for Sheila.

[gregj1763]

As photography, I don't feel qualified to comment other than that it is very thought provoking and that is what every good photo do, make the viewer study the image and I love it.
As a tribute to Sheila, you have created something very special Donald.
My thoughts are with you.
Greg

[MarieV]

Your image is hauntingly beautiful Donald and I send you my heartfelt sympathy.

Marie

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I'm able to visit both my parents every time I cast eyes on the Pacific Ocean. Now you can do the same with your Sheila, Donald.

Peace to you my friend.

[KimC]

I am so very sorry for your loss Donald. Such a tribute, and image, has brought tears to my eyes.