I plan on participating in tomorrow’s toy run for OHSU’s Doernbecker’s Children’s Hospital. I have always tried to make this yearly event but have missed the last two years.
I remember years ago, as a freelance photographer, one of my assignments was to photograph a birthday party at the cancer unit at the hospital. I arrived all chipper and eager to do my best. But when I walked in and saw all these kids in various stages of cancer, it broke my heart.
I tried to remain upbeat, and was brought to my knees by children that looked aged beyond their years, and had a soul that was old and wise and I didn’t know how to move forward. I held my trembling camera to my eye and did my best.
I tried to capture joy but what I left with were pictures of battle-fatigued warriors … not the images that I figured my client wanted.
I’ll never forget those kids.
Things we do, things we do because of…
See you tomorrow kids.