with an aching in my heart - 2023
photos for reuters
Gordon Lightfoot and I were born in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in our hometown of Orillia, 54 years apart. We both grew up swimming in Lake Couchiching and walking through downtown on Mississaga Street. By my teenage years, I owned nearly all of his records.
In May 2023, I travelled to Orillia to photograph the funeral and mourn with my community. It was Mr. Lightfoot and his family's wishes that he lie in repose at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia, where he'd sang in the choir as a young boy. Thousands of Orillians lined up from 1-8PM on Sunday, May 7th, to pay their respects to their hometown hero. I made the photos, and then I waved goodbye.
Each and every bad dream will be hammered into dust
When we get back where we belong
If you ever turn that page again
You need a friend, if you ask me, I'll tag along
This time tomorrow, we might all be packed and gone
I believe, it's best we carry on
Smoke rings rising 'til they disappear
In the sky above, if you ask me, I'll tag along