I shared these images the other day on my business blog…I thought I’d share them here and let everyone know that we are doing okay. Great actually…better than great. We are feeling beyond fortunate living in Okotoks. High River feels like a sibling to our community to me and so my heart is a wee bit broken for them, but we are awesome.
We were in High River last Wednesday. I had a meeting at the School Division office. Jack played ball there that night. When I tell you that we are shocked at how high the water went, that is just not saying enough. It doesn’t even seem possible. Seeing the military at the local coffee shop, the families camped out across our small town, hearing the stories of people who couldn’t get home even though they were in the town…people who just had to get OUT. Our heart breaks.
But, my heart also swells…it swells when you are turned away from volunteering at the shelters because they are overwhelmed with the number of volunteers. When they ask for 600 volunteers and thousands show up. This is what defines this area of the world. Helping your neighbour. I am so happy to live in an area where this is a part of our culture.
This morning, I joined my friend Gabe McClintock in announcing a need to help families affected. We have been overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the number of photographers willing to step up. We know it is early days and that those affected have LOTS on their plate, but we are anticipating a large number of requests. The night I took these photographs, we met a number of families from High River. They didn’t know that I was a photographer, but I listened to their stories. Without exception, each of them mentioned the loss of photographs. The loss of family momentos–things passed down from generations. Given the history of that area, it is not surprising that there would be so many things that are simply not replaceable, but it is a reminder that in every family these irreplaceable things exist. And, they are often photographs. It really struck me-more than EVER before-how important photographs are…and, I am hoping that we can help some families create new memories to start replacing the old.
Some photographs from Okotoks last week.
