First off, let me begin by wishing everyone the merriest of Christmases! This holiday season will undoubtedly be a challenging one, as family traditions and gatherings are interrupted to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. Perhaps we can find comfort in the confidence that by making sacrifices now, we will be rewarded later by coming through this world-shattering tragedy with the knowledge that we did all we could to protect our loved ones and ourselves.
For so many, this holiday season will be marred by the empty chairs around the dinner table. Every day in the U.S. right now, over 3,000 families are receiving the devastating news that a family member has died. To everyone who has suffered a loss during this time, let me offer my heartfelt condolences and love. There is surely no comfort to be found after the loss of a loved one from COVID-19, especially when families are unable to be with those loved ones at the time of their passing. All I can think to do is honor the memories of those who have passed by continuing to be vigilant and do what we can to protect our communities as best we can from further losses.
This Christmas, I would also like to honor and thank all of those working in the healthcare system on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. Your sacrifices are being noticed around the world, and we can not thank you enough for all that you do. If you know anyone who works in healthcare, reach out, thank them personally for what they do. They are undoubtedly exhausted and frustrated by the ever climbing numbers of new infections and the inaction of our government. That thank you could provide the boost they need to continue their invaluable work a little longer.
To our government, I would like to say that the time of inaction and paralysis has got to end. Our country has been ravaged by this unrelenting disease, both in terms of deaths and the economic impact. How many millions of Americans have seen their paychecks disappear? How many are experiencing food scarcity? How many children’s parents cannot afford to buy them Christmas presents? While our government sits and argues, families are suffering. Our people need help now, and a $600 check will not pay the bills. Not even close. It is an insult to the citizens of this great country.
To all our elected leaders, hear this call to action. In a time of great tragedy such as this, the stage is set for heroic and selfless actions, to cement your place in the history books as the one who stood against the hypocrisy, who stood against the greed, who made a personal sacrifice of power and influence for the sake of helping the people that truly make this country great, the regular folk whose lives have been disrupted or destroyed by this disease and the disease of a power hungry government that is more interested in protecting their corporate sponsors than the people who voted them into office. But who am I? I’m a photographer, a wildlife guide, a teacher sometimes. I am no expert, but I believe that history has shown that heroes are forged in the fires of adversity, and those flames burn hot now.
Now, rant complete. Let me get back to wishing everyone good tidings and joy during the holidays. Let us hope and pray that next year will see the tireless work of our healthcare workers, scientists, and those who have been instrumental in developing medicine and vaccines, will pay off with the beginning of the end of COVID-19. As Winston Churchill famously said, “Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end, but it is perhaps the end of the beginning.”
So, how about some pretty pictures? I find that looking nature is often the best antidepressant one can find. So to that end, I’d like to share some new work I’ve been able to complete this year and have yet to share. And as always, should you love any of these and want a print, you can contact me directly here.
Sunset Over the Smoky Mountains from Clingman’s Dome - October 2020
A Pretty Little Autumn Stream in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - October ©2020
Panoramic of the Smoky Mountains from Clingmans Dome - October ©2020
A Lone Bull Bison in Yellowstone National Park - October ©2020
A Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Cub Following His Mother - October ©2020
The Mormon Barns in Front of the Grand Teton - October ©2020
Castle Geyser Erupting in Yellowstone National Park - October ©2020
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - October ©2020
Bull Elk in Silhouette - Yellowstone National Park - October ©2020