Imagine

Photograph by Mary Dispenza

I was lonely that day. So, I drove my 86 year old self to the zoo. My only companion was my long, long friend. Her name is Sonja after my SRL camera with the telephoto lens. She goes with me everywhere. I was a nun and a principal of a catholic school back in 1973 when the teachers gave me my first camera for a going a way present. I took it with me as I left for Mexico to work in an orphanage. It gave me memories to keep. A picture is worth a thousand words. For sure. I have recorded over half a life time in photos from the convent as a teacher and principal, to Mexico as a volunteer in an orphanage, Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos.
A fond memory as a principal was creating a "Someone Special" bulletin board outside my office. Each Monday of the school year, the teachers would send a student to me along with a short story about him or her. I would snap a photo of the student and the following week I would post the picture and story on the school community board. For a week a student from each classe was reminded by a great photo that they are SPECIAL.

After retiring from education, my partner and I took a trip to Africa and went on a Safari. Of course Sonja went with me. I rented a much longer telephoto lens than mine to take along. The lens was so heavy for me that I rested in on a little bean bag that I rested on the top edge of the look out opening. The photo book of our trip still remains on our coffee table.

I can tell you that I would be lost without the gift of of picture taking in my life. Sonja has been at family gatherings, sports event, vacations, my daily walk and so much more. I am there with tripod and camera taking photos. I am 86 years old. Recently, Sonja has felt a little heavy. Sometimes, I think twice about taking Sonja, my camera companion, with the telephoto lens with me. Last time, she felt heavy for the first time. I'm still not ready to leave her home. I will miss her so much when the day comes that I must say good by. But not yet. For now Sonja, my camera still goes with me. Thank God!

[email protected] on Instagram