I ended up using this picture on Facebook to commemorate Dad's birthday. Only because I don't have a more recent pic of him. It reminded me that I should have taken more of just him when I was there last Thanksgiving. Hindsight is 20/20 though I guess. I'll know better the next time I'm in Bloomington.
The interesting thing about Dad's pic on The Book is the amount of attention it received. For those of you that aren't familiar with The Book, you probably don't know anything about "Likes". Basically, it's an option that every FB member has whenever they see a picture and/or a post. They can show their approval but clicking a "like" button. FB then records who all liked it to show you the individuals and the number of people that liked something on your page. Prior to today, the most "likes" I had on a picture of mine was right around 75.
Dad's picture got close to 100 and counting.
The more I thought about it the more I figured it was more than just the picture itself. It was what it represented. It was that here I was a grown man giving adulation to my father. My actual father. Not a mere father figure. Not just the person who was there for me. The man who was there as a major part of my life since day one with be being his own flesh and blood. Actually since even before day one. I cannot stress how fortunate I am to have that benefit.
Actually, another reason I chose this particular picture was because he has the camera dangling from his neck. I told y'all that the seed for my fascination with photography was first inadvertently planted by Dad having the same interest. Here is proof that he still has it too. Now it's gotten to the point where he's even asking me for pointers. Probably just to make me feel good. I'm fine with that though. And let's face it...this is a well composed shot if I must say so myself.
