Bop's Halo is a photograph by Rory Siegel which was uploaded on November 24th, 2012.
Bop's Halo
A candid portrait of my maternal grandfather, affectionately referred to in our family as Bop. The halo that appears in this photo was most... more
by Rory Siegel
Title
Bop's Halo
Artist
Rory Siegel
Medium
Photograph
Description
A candid portrait of my maternal grandfather, affectionately referred to in our family as "Bop." The "halo" that appears in this photo was most appropriate for this amazing man who traveled the world for the White Stag Company for 40 plus years, earning the respect and love of those he helped everywhere he went. He was a self-made man who left a jealous stepmother and troubled home at the age of 13, surviving at first by lying about his age and fighting as a featherweight boxer. He later taught himself garment-making, created his own line of new and improved slacks for law enforcement personnel in Los Angeles, surviving the Great Depression by finding a way to manufacture them inexpensively, but without compromising on quality. Despite the objections of others, he was the first in his company to hire people of color at a time when it was still considered controversial. He became an avid golfer at the age of 50 when his doctor told him to get more exercise, and was the soul of patience in teaching me the secrets of the proper grip and his perfect swing. There are really no words to express the impact this truly angelic man had on my life, the love that he showered upon me and our entire family, the innate decency and goodness of his being...something I took so for granted until I grew up to understand just how rare a man he was. He took care of our "Nonnie," his wife of 68 years, for as long as he could, and far longer than he should have considering the impact it had on his own health, when she developed Alzheimer's disease. He never complained, and never revealed to us just how heavy the burden was, until it became clear during family visits that the challenge was jeopardizing his health as well.
Bop never had a bad word to say about anyone, was an avid reader of authors such as Herman Wouk and James Michener. He literally consumed 3 or more books a week until he passed away at the age of 97. His stories of other peoples and the countries he had visited, kept me rapt for hours...and along with his secret Keno techniques, I so wish that I had written every story down.
This is another in the Black and White series of photos I did to honor my amazing family.
Uploaded
November 24th, 2012
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Comments (12)
Rory Sagner
Thank you so much Robyn for all of your lovely comments! This is a really special photo to me...and one of a group that really launched me into a profound love of photography.
Rory Sagner
What a truly lovely comment Petros...thank you so much. I can tell by what you have written that my photo and writing really touched your heart...and for that I am grateful!
Petros Yiannakas
I wish i would have met him. Your description says of a wonderful human being and your picture manage to tell that as well. Bravo for a great portrait,and thanks for sharing.!!!
Rory Sagner
Thank you for taking the time to look Marilyn!!! I love all the new work I saw you post the other day....just need some time to catch up, lol!
Jolanta Anna Karolska
I have just read your description Rory...with tears in my eyes...what a story teller you are...loved every word you produced with such tenderness and mastery...you are blessed with so many talents! What a beautiful and heart grabbing photograph of your Bob this is...and one more thing - halos don't just appear from nowhere...this was meant to shine in this photo for a purpose...I believe in that! f/v xx
Rory Siegel replied:
I agree....even though my rational mind wanted to explain it away via reflected light, etc. But, whatever the physical reason for it, the fact that it showed up as it did is pretty wonderful to me...and so appropriate if you knew the person he was. I appreciate your kind words and am so glad that you can relate to what I wrote. When love is the inspiration, it all flows naturally. Heartfelt gratitude to you my dear friend for being the person YOU are....a loving heart and beautiful mind that can comprehend and share in the thoughts and feelings we hold for our loved ones!
Sydne Archambault
What a beautiful man Bop was and I see he instilled that beauty in you. Wonderful photograph Rory.
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you so much Sydne for your always wonderful comments and for the favorite too!
Marlene Burns
such a wonderful homage to BOP...i enjoyed the description as much as the photograph, rory!
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you so much Marlene! I can tell you know just how much these photos mean to me...and it is much appreciated.