Consanguinity

Seeing your work appreciated by others is one of life's greatest joys. Being able to flip through the book and see, page to page, my contributions, leaves me with a feeling of pride which I cannot adequately explain. I gave so much of myself to learning the trade, trying to produce something worth keeping, the book is to me my last year incarnate. I look at it's beautiful red cover and I see that bright white room, long sweeping halls, a gorgeous auditorium, and so many, many faces, gathered at football games, competitions, recitals. I see them gathered on the greens, loitering in parking lots, working backstage, hunched over desks, gathered around computer screens. I see faces that I may not see in the flesh again, friends and colleagues who have moved out int the world. I hear the laughter, so much clear, beautiful, ringing laughter. I hear the music, songs sung by thousands, big brass bands, guitar gods, and haunting melodies produced by a single human voice. I feel the presence of great minds, gathered in circles, discussing and exploring in ever more excited tones, rushing headlong towards the truth. I feel the weight of a camera in my hands, around my neck, feel it click as I capture these moments. I feel the weight of the world and lighter than air, crushing frustration and elation the likes of which I've never known. I can taste the meals shared with friends, the salty tang of the coastal air. This book contains the best part of me, and I will keep it always as a reminder of the things we made and the things we lost. Thank you, to everyone who made it possible, to everyone above and below me who was there when it all took place. Thank you for letting me play my part. Thank you.