2017, It was a Very _________ Year
(Fill in the Blank)
Memorable, chaotic, challenging, depressing, and unimaginable are adjectives that come readily to my mind. Politically it's been devastating to watch my country become so divisive and fragmented, consumed by animus, name calling, and finger pointing. I've called and texted and marched regularly since the January 20, 2017 local Women's March. And I plan to march once more on January, 2018.
2017 was also not a very good year for my partner Doug who suffered a stroke after successful AAA surgery in May. That was a game-changer, for sure.
But in scouring my photos for the CDP January 1 theme, I kept coming back to this photo of the surgeon's hands as he described the intricate procedure he had just performed on Doug.
The back story how I even took such a photo is that I was assigned by 52Frames, an online weekly photography challenge, to shoot a photo including a sheet of paper. I had no idea what I was going to do, but when Dr. Field asked if I had a piece of paper and he began to draw, I knew this was the moment.
And because I shoot exclusively with my iPhone, I had my camera at hand.
I consider this my photo of the year because despite the stroke, this surgery saved Doug's life. That's because the repair of a potentially life threatening aortic aneurysm means it won't rupture on its own and cause fatal bleeding.
So while 2017 has been anything but a good year politically, it's been a banner year full of hope and optimism personally as Doug continues his recovery.
And for this I am forever grateful.
For more "Photos of the Year" photos by other City Daily Photo bloggers, follow this link: http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com.au/
I share your assessment of 2017. This is a fabulous photo, incredible moment. Even without the accompanying explanation it is lovely. All the best to you in 2018.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kay. And the same to you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on the political front.
DeleteGreat photo.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jim.
DeleteIn addition to the personal meaningfulness, this is a fine composition.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jack. I appreciate your comment.
DeleteIt has been a chaotic year, but we still resist.. .. persist! Your personal story combined with the wonderful photo is important to remember when things may get tough in the new year. You have grit, Susan, which has been your mainstay this year!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kate. I appreciate your own tenacity, wit and intellect. And look forward to your posts in 2018.
DeleteA wonderful photo with a meaningful back story. Happy 2018!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wilf. Happy New Year to you, also.
DeleteA wonderful, moving pic!
ReplyDeleteThe shadowing and texture of the surgeon's hands are perfect. It's incredible you got this with an iPhone. What a perfect shot for January 1, a new start.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stuart. Yes, mobile and specifically iPhone photography has come a long way.
DeleteHappy New Year, Susan.
ReplyDeleteSusan: I really enjoyed your post, am glad Doug is recovering, and now know that Walla Walla is in the United States. For some reason, I thought it was in Australia. Here are your answers from Greensboro Daily Photo, in case you didn't see my response there. Happy New Year, Janis
ReplyDeleteSusan: The National Folk Festival selects a city and holds the festival there for three years. After the third year, the infrastructure is in place for that community to host a State Folk Festival in years four and on. If the trend from the past three cities continues, Greensboro will inherit a festival that will grow by 20 percent. Your question about who is the "we" is timely and will be partially answered tomorrow when we celebrate out 9th year. I am Janis, Mrs. GDP. I take all of the photos and write the text. Mr. GDP, David, handles all of the technology related to maintaining the typepad site and dealing with technology glitches. Thank you for taking the time to read and ask.
Janis
Thanks for your reply. What a nice team effort.
DeleteYou couldn't have picked better, I remember this wonderfully composed black & white image. I can't believe you take all your shots with an iPhone Susan, how handy is that not having to cart around a camera plus lenses and with such excellent results! I'm a great believer in finding the positives in life. As with Doug, a few years ago my sister had a kidney transplant, her husband was a match, in the process they found a cancer spot on one of his kidneys which they removed and my sister was still able to use it.. was a successful transplant both doing well, but the cancer could have gone undetected! As for your political nightmare, I believe people power will win in the end, just needs everyone to use their voices and most importantly their vote! Here's wishing yourself and family all the very best for 2018 🎇🎉🎆🎊🎈
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace. Onward and upward.
DeleteGreat choice! Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteGood photo.
ReplyDeleteAll The Best in New Year!
This is such a great photo but, the story behind it is even more impactful.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I know a good photo is supposed to tell a story by itself, but sometimes the back story is essential.
DeleteYou chose well, particularly given its personal connection.
ReplyDelete