Over the years, I have moseyed through various museums: the Louvre, the Met, the Tate, the Victoria and Albert, the Guggenheim, the Norton Simon. I could go on, but you get the idea. Some master works of art have moved me, while others have left me cold. When I've sat down to write a vignette, I have never felt compelled to include a picture with my blogs, until now.
I can't remember being so moved by a photo as I have with this photo. What is seen in this photo. At first glance, we see an elderly couple sharing a fun moment; how charming. The picture makes us smile. How cute that two old folk are trying out a skateboard. But look deeper. The momentous occasion takes place somewhere in a tropical climate, perhaps Asia or perhaps Hawaii. She always carries the white umbrella, which suggests that she keeps herself comfortable under its shade, her spirits high and her skin clear. She is lovely in her colorful robe, wearing a necklace and hair piled high on her head. This couple is not wealthy in the monetary sense. They both wear dime store rubber slippers, have never known financial wealth, but they are rich and that wealth is the story behind the photo. The story is about their shared inner wealth, their years together, the joy they have given each other over a lifetime of experiences together. In her face, we see unfettered wonder, apprehension mixed with laughter, fearlessness, and equally important, trust. Trust in herself that she can do this, and trust in him that he will not let her fall. She can take on whatever the world throws her way with him by her side. And the years have proven his love is true, otherwise why else would an old grey haired lady get on a skateboard that could maim her should there be the slightest misstep. And him, look at his face. He is thrilled with himself, of course, because he is able to bring her joy, but look again, look deeper, he also is proud of her. He is a kind man. His love and affection for her is evident. He wants her to know fun and happiness. Through the years she has thrilled him with her spirit, her sense of humor and wonder, which keeps them both young. He is sure that she will follow him in whatever senseless endeavor he takes on as she has in the past, and here she is again, mounting herself on a skateboard at his behest. The unmitigated joy that each brings to the other is boundless. This photo is a masterpiece. It belongs in a museum with the caption JOY.
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