Refuge is a photograph by Rory Siegel which was uploaded on November 18th, 2013.
Refuge
Where do you go when your mind cannot grasp the stark news, that awful phone call, the shock of those terrible words? What do you do when your heart... more
by Rory Siegel
Title
Refuge
Artist
Rory Siegel
Medium
Photograph
Description
Where do you go when your mind cannot grasp the stark news, that awful phone call, the shock of those terrible words? What do you do when your heart is aching with the weight of impending loss and even the brief reprieve of a few hours sleep will not make the awful truth go away?
My mother is dying. I don't know what to do with this information. I cannot believe it's true, that this person who has been such an imposing figure in my life, both in the best and worst of ways, is not going to be in this world with me much longer?
What do I do with the flood of memories that are already assaulting my waking hours....the laughter that left us doubling over, nearly falling down on the sidewalk as we walked together on the streets of Pioneer Square....or the wretched pain of those traumatic betrayals. My mother, whom I have both loved and hated, who had the amazing gift of in one moment making me feel like the most gifted, beautiful, special person on this blessed earth...or decimating me into an oblivion of hurt in the next. Death is not a stranger to me, and I have helped many animals and my share of human beings make that transition, but this, this strange news, I simply cannot take it in as real.
So today, thinking I was going out to do a photo assignment, a place came into my mind, somewhere I had not been for a long time. I met a friend and with cameras in hand we walked and took pictures...drinking in the smells and sounds of this place...such a graceful and blessed distraction. This beautiful and sacred place....it is where river and sea come together, blending their waters to nourish a prolific variety of life. Frogs and ducks, sea birds and eagles....even the Great Blue Heron. All welcomed us into their world of peace and magic. Even the rain paused for an hour or so before soaking us to the skin.
And here in this most appropriately named place, a safe haven for flora and fauna alike, here I found refuge for a few hours today. The blending of these waters, both salty and fresh, was a much needed reminder....that both our joy and our pain... all is for the purpose of nourishing life and giving our souls a wisdom which never dies.
�Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees.�
Paul Strand
Uploaded
November 18th, 2013
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Comments (24)
Rory Sagner
Grateful thanks to all that were kind enough to comment on my work here. I am spending as much time as possible with my mother...who I brought home on hospice at the beginning of this month. The absolute joy on her face at being in her beloved home again after a 3 year absence, a house which she herself designed, has been worth every hardship and every challenge. I miss my photography work and my own home very much, but grateful for the time with my mom and all that I am learning during this last phase of her life. I carry the memory of this day at the Refuge with me and take great comfort from it. I am learning that our greatest refuge is within...that graceful connection with our own Spirit, higher power, or whatever you wish to call it....that is what sustains me and I only hope that during these last weeks, my deep sense of that connection is something that I can share with my mom and through that, allay her fears and bring her comfort.
Marcia Colelli
It looks like a very peaceful and calm Refuge. Nice detailed capture with a lovely perspective f/L
Rory Sagner
Many thanks to Nadine and Bob for featuring "Refuge" in the All Natural Scenic Landscapes group.
Latha Gokuldas Panicker
Dear Rory,my sincere prayers are all ways with you,God only can provide strength during such trials of life.............Your friend..
Jolanta Anna Karolska
Dear Rory...I can only begin to imagine what you are going through now..such trying times..filled with so much sadness - please stay strong..on your painful journey and be filled with much love. I love this photograph..so strong in message..so deeply touching the soul...and while words can never fully express how much someone means to us, language can still provide comfort, solace, hope and even inspiration in this very difficult time you are experiencing now...sending you heartfelt hugs and good vibes my dear friend...xx f/v
Rory Siegel replied:
Oh my dear Jo....your beautiful words, and the love that emanates from you across so many miles...it helps so much. There is much I am having to look at during this time...and some of it is not at all pretty, because as I know you know, those closest to us (and everyone really) are in our lives to teach us what our soul wants to learn. I am endeavoring to simply be the Observer, forgive myself and others, and be as loving as I can. Bless your dear heart for being such a good friend.
Latha Gokuldas Panicker
I can feel the sadness so intensely,dear Rory...still remember a day...I ran away through the unending corridors of a very strange looking hospital.... !!!! It took years to come back.....
Rory Siegel replied:
Thank you Latha...for your understanding. It is times like this when it becomes so clear how our art is our therapy and our saving grace. It is not separate from us, but is the story of our lives...and hopefully at times, a comfort and inspiration to others.
Clotilde Espinosa
Dear Rory, I am so sorry about your ill mother...I can't not imagine the rush of memories and desperation of not being able to stop it. When my husband passed away I was relieved he went so suddenly without suffering intensively. I do not know if I would have being strong to endure the thought I was going to loose him. Warm hugs dear friend.
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