with an aching in my heart - 2023
shot for reuters
Gordon Lightfoot and I were born in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in our hometown of Orillia, 54 years apart. We both swam in the waters of Lake Couchiching and walked Mississaga Street through the tiny downtown. By my teenage years, my admiration for "Gord" and his music was firmly established. I owned nearly all of his records.
On the first weekend of May 2023, I travelled to the town I was born in to photograph Gordon Lightfoot's funeral. I joined my family and community to collectively mourn after the prolific 84-year-old songwriter passed away. 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 schoolboy. 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