An Amazing Sunset Over Fishtrap Lake

Last night we had an amazing sunset over the lake here in LaPorte. The clouds that had been over us all day had cleared, and we could watch the sun set. As the sun was going down someone across the lake started a huge leaf pile on fire. That smoke came through and gave us crespuscular rays coming down over the scene. I have always called them God rays since I was a kid. It was fitting for this sunset photo that we had rays coming down from above.

My Hero

I was in LaPorte for a reason that I never wanted to be in LaPorte. My father passed away Thursday night. Many sons say this about their dads, but mine truly was my hero. As a kid I had posters of athletes on my walls. I had Carlton Fisk up there. He was the catcher with the work ethic that kept him playing for years. I had Michael Jordan who had the will to win that made it hard for his opponents to get the best of him. I got my intense competitiveness from my father. I had Bo Jackson up there. He was a man who seemed indestructible, and could do whatever he wanted. Robin Williams was my favorite comic. He was fast with a joke. So was dad. That was my father. Man he could do anything. He went from the janitor at his work to the superintendent of the plant. When he set his mind to something he did it. Ten years ago when his brother died we were at the house as the sun was setting. I made a photo of the sunset that my dad loved. He wanted a print of it that he hung on his wall. It was above him when he went Thursday night. I wanted to make a photo for him that was better than that photo. A lot of luck came into play to help me make that happen. No words in a post will ever do him justice. He was my biggest fan, and left me a comment every day on some platform about my words or pictures from the day. I always looked forward to those comments. It will be weird not seeing them.

Looking Ahead

If the blog looks a little different in the coming days it is because I am dealing with some stuff. It is hard to feel creative when you feel like this. Before all of this my afternoon theme next week was going to be change. It has never seemed so timely as it does now. Everything has changed. While I was at my fathers desk I found the lyrics that he had printed out to this song. It was near where he had put his papers for what to do if he passed. I can only guess that he gave me one last lesson after he was gone.

The Old Man – John McDermott