Lynd Photography

This week’s featured song is ‘Emotional’ by Whitney Houston. The past two months have been an emotional journey, and to be candid, it has been over a year of such experiences. There comes a time in life when one realizes that circumstances can become overwhelmingly challenging. You mourn for those who leave this world too soon and also for those who are still alive but are no longer the individuals you once knew, as they are affected by debilitating conditions like dementia or addiction, becoming mere shadows of their former selves. These realities are particularly difficult to accept. You may have idolized them during your upbringing or formed bonds with them later in life through relationships, yet the pain of their decline remains unchanged. Life’s demands can often prevent you from spending time with them, and sometimes external factors are beyond your control. Guilt frequently accompanies the grieving process, leading to thoughts such as ‘I should have made more effort to visit’ or ‘I ought to have reached out more frequently to check on their well-being.’ Grieving is a highly individual experience; there are moments when you feel you are coping well, only to be unexpectedly overwhelmed by memories triggered by a song, a shared experience, or a significant date. For me, the stages of grief encompass sadness, anger, denial, bargaining, depression, and ultimately acceptance. I was fortunate to have seen my loved one just a few days before her passing, and I often wish I could have spent more time with her to reflect on the cherished memories we created together. I was blessed to have her presence at many pivotal moments in my life. Recently, I discovered a collection of photographs that I had either forgotten about or was unaware of their existence. Today’s image captured a stunning sunrise over a cemetery. The day following the event, which allowed me to mourn privately during my morning commute. The song resonates deeply as Whitney was her favorite artist. I recall fondly dancing with her and my grandmother in the living room to her album during my childhood. The song’s relevance is heightened by my emotional state, as it played just before I paused to capture this photograph. I felt her presence, reassuring me that it is acceptable to feel sorrow, yet encouraging me not to linger in that sadness for too long. This week, I had the opportunity to meet with two of her friends, both of whom expressed how much she valued me. One friend recounted a conversation from my middle school days, remarking, ‘She is so artistic, though I am uncertain in what capacity, but she is indeed artistic.’ It is evident that she understood me more profoundly than I had realized. I sincerely hope she is aware of my love for her and the significant impact she has had on my life throughout the years.