Healing With Nature
Fallingwater 2022. Mill Run, Pennsylvania.
The last time I was at @visitfallingwater two years ago, I got a phone call from my family, saying my dad was admitted to hospice care to finish out his time on earth.
I cut my photo workshop short and left immediately for the Pittsburgh airport.
Honestly, I don’t remember the drive or the entire flight back. But I do remember stepping into the room, seeing my dad laying on the bed, and getting the nod from my mom that he was still with us. I went over to the side of the bed and kneeled next to him, grabbed his hand and said, “I’m here dad, and I love you.” He turned his head toward me and gave me the tiniest of smiles. I had made it to tell him I loved him one last time.
Thoughts of coming back here have been in my head for awhile. But I didn’t come here to open up the wound of losing my dad again. I came to continue to heal. Through the endless and unwavering support from my wife, my family, my friends, and professional help, that very difficult and wavey healing process has continued over the past two years.
My dad loved the outdoors, and we were in it, up until his last few months, often. Because of this, I’ve always looked to nature to help guide me through difficult times in my life, and my dad’s passing is no different.
So, to have so suddenly left here, and now to be back at one of the most beautiful times of the year, it’s a blessing and a reminder that I HAVE healed. And for anyone else going through a loss, you can too. My dad will now forever be part of this ever-changing landscape, it’s soothing sounds, and this view.