STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

In Buddhism, the lotus flower represents rebirth.

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STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

I feel compelled to explain my absence. Please forgive my lack of brevity, but . . .

Initially, life reared its ugly head. I tried by best to make retirement a life totally devoid of responsibility. Many things came together all at once and demanded that I devote some intense attention to them. I did achieve some success in addressing long ignored issues.

Then, death reared its ugly head. First, in November 2015, my BFF received a terminal diagnosis. I am glad that I was able to make many trips to my hometown to assist her in end-of-life issues and also to visit more often with my parents and other family members. And I didn’t start doing that any too soon.

On June 1, 2016, my Dad passed away suddenly. It seems silly to say you are shocked by the death of a 91 year old, but we all were.

This loss has been followed by the deaths of:

1 - Aunt

4 - 1st cousins

2 - family friends

1 - husband of a dear friend

2 - close business associates

1 - kindred spirit

1 - W-I-L that’s “wife-in-law”, my husband’s first wife and the mother of his three older children who are still reeling from this loss; we had a friendly relationship and over the past many years have celebrated holidays together

and most recently, on June 26, 2017,
1 - BFF of 59+ years

In a pre-action to the death of my BFF, I realized that tomorrow is never promised. I began to reach out to reconnect with many friends with whom I had lost contact, but always said that “tomorrow” I would catch up with them. I look forward to never again letting them slip so far away.

Now, in mourning over the loss of so many, I realize that I have done the same thing with my virtual friends. I had ascribed too much emphasis to “virtual” and not nearly enough to “friend”. I am hoping you will welcome me back into the fold – I know you will. However, I must achieve a better balance of all of life’s responsibilities, because, (drats!) I did learn you just can’t ignore everything but the Hog!

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Well Sherry, you just made my evening. I can't tell you how many times I've wondered what happened, and I have to admit I've even checked the local obits a time or two. lol So glad I never got any results there.

I'm so sorry that sadness has been the major reason for your absence, and all my sympathy goes out to you for your many loses. I'm so glad you were able to spend time with your loved ones.

I can see from your post that you did not give up photography. Your work shows it and is as beautiful..maybe even more so..as before.

Welcome back!!!

HOT Texas Loc: From the Heart of Texas

Wow, what beautiful pictures!!!! Sorry for your lost, Know how that feels, Welcome back!!!!!

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Great to see you back. You certainly came with a bang--these pictures are absolute stunners.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

These are truly remarkable photos. Extremely well done. I am very sorry that you have such a series of losses and hope that there are brighter days ahead for you!

angela k Loc: Long Island

Sherry, I'm so sorry for your many losses and I can certainly see why you've been missing from our Hog Family... but you've never been forgotten!!
It's wonderful to see you back on and from your shots, it looks like photography is still a love in your life!!!
I enjoyed them all and always beautiful work....... and again, nice to have you back and reconnected!

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks so much for the welcoming back and your kind words. Actually, I bet I haven't touched a camera more that 10 days during the last 18 months! I am excited to begin relearning all I have forgotten and happy as a Hog in cybermud to be back. Any beauty in the photos belongs solely to the lotus and not any improved skills. I really have forgotten a lot.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks, HOT! Always love seeing thumps up.
I appreciate your words of sympathy, too.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks so much, Earl! It's great to be back! There is no way I can catch up on all I have missed, but I'm looking forward to what is to come on the Hog.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Thanks so much, Carol. The lotus is such a pretty plant - it's just sad that each bloom is so short lived.
Recent losses have taught me that each day we are given must be cherished; that attitude alone makes the days ahead brighter. It's a shame I had to live so long and lose so many to figure this out.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Angela, thanks so much! I'm looking forward to getting back in the game.
As so many already know too well, death is a part of life. Every day, every one of us grows older. The only thing I can think of to avoid the sorrow of loved ones dying is to beat them to the grave - not really a plan I want to implement.

angela k Loc: Long Island

Sounds logical, but certainly not advisable!!!

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

These are very beautiful shots! I'm sorry you've lost so many so close together in time. Hopefully now, you'll be able to get on with your living and reconnecting with others, carrying those who are gone, forward in your heart.

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

Then you defy 'practice makes perfect', Sherry, because your work certainly hasn't suffered.