South Texas Shooters (Photography That Is!)

The past few days have been a serious express train ride of emotions, gratitude and sorrow.

Those that know me, know I am born, bred and raised New Yorker. Grew up in the upper east side of Manhattan (Spanish Harlem), lived in the projects (East River Houses), went to public schools (PS168, JHS99 & Board of Ed GED). Rode the subway Number 4 train to watch the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium, rode the 7 train to watch the Mets play at Shea Stadium, took the number 4 bus to watch the Rangers skate the ice at The Garden! Played softball in a city park at 96th and Second Ave. Ate pizza at the local pizzeria on First Ave between 103rd and 104th. A million and one places to hang out, went to every borough by means of subway, bus and ferry. The Naked City, The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps! Many names but it’s my hometown.

I left the city when it was going through bad times of the 70’s and 80’s, I entered military service and saw many parts of the world, big cities that reminded me of NYC, but never could take the place of NYC. I always look forward to coming home back to 410 East Apt 5C and hanging with Granny.

When I left military service in the mid 90’s I elected to move to Texas. NYC was rebuilding and it was becoming bigger than ever.

Then on September 11th 2001 The City Changed, The Country Changed, The World Changed and I changed and it is still changing because of 4 aircraft United 175, United 93, American Flight 11 and American Flight 77.

On that day I was woke up by a phone call from the east coast, all Jessica could say was turn on the TV, turn on the TV and I did. I got to see the smoke billowing from the north tower and trying to figure out what happened, then I saw the aircraft impact the south tower, then voices came over the air and it quickly became apparent we’re being attacked. Tried to call back to NYC and all lines were busy and later cut due to heavy usage.

On that day I watched Firefighters, Police Officers, EMS Personal running into the burning buildings while others ran out and I found my heart wanted to be there running in and lending a hand, giving a damm, caring for another. I almost drove up from Texas, but someone here advised me that it would be impossible to get into the City, so I stayed and went to work driving a bus and wishing it and I was back in the City ferrying rescuers into Ground Zero, making a difference but it did not come true I stayed and did what I could from Texas.

Over the years as 9/11 approach’s I get sentimental for NYC and all that makes it NYC. This year has been hard on my heart, I want to be back on 9/11 and visit and thank my hometown hero’s, but distance won’t allow. So this morning I got a box of donuts and went by and dropped them off at the Firehouse on Russell and said thanks!

Since the attack took place our world has changed, in some ways the change has been for the better, yet in some alarming ways it has been for the worse. I am not smart enough to fix that, but I care enough to hopefully not be part of the problem.

As this September 11th draws to a close I am thankful for those Hometown Heroes some 18 years ago who ran towards the fires of hell for others not self. I remind myself that I am a runner also, run into the fire not for self but for others. I cry many tears for all those that give the ultimate sacrifice for others and I don’t know if those tears shall ever stop. For in our world today there is a need for those that run into the fire while others run away from the fire more than ever!

This man from Manhattan will let you know that the hoodlum from The Houses will knock you on your butt to get that seat on the subway, but would freely give up my Life to save your Life!!!

Never Forget!!!

Reflecting on the progress of my life, I find that most of my adult life has been devoted to sacrifice, selfless service and in recent years a ton of sentimentalism.

Upon arrival into adulthood my dream was to go into the medical field, lacking funds and grades an entry into military service was next, there a partial realization of my dream was made as I entered into the medical field as a combat medic. As each enlistment passed the process of sacrifice and selfless service became the road of life, it became more important to insure that the soldiers entrusted to my care where given the best care! They were checked and rechecked, they were provided with the needs to continue life, often times as I sacrificed for them I don’t recall gripping  about it! When I left military service and entered the real world the dye had been cast from the years of military service, so sacrifice and selfless service where and are the way my life goes. In recent years our world is changing in some alarming ways in my eyes and heart. I’m not sure why it seems that displaying a caring lifestyle seems to evoke others to be afraid, step back, step away or taking advantage of the sincere act of caring and kindness! But it has made me ponder why I should continue to be caring. Then I remember the warm fuzzy feeling that occurs in my heart and soul, so I just keep going and going. The Energizer Bunny of Caring and Selfless Service.

To those that I make uncomfortable and or scared, fear not the motivation of my caring, accept it and try and believe that there are plain ole good hearted people who travel these roads. If you can’t stop being uncomfortable or scared, sorry for you I may just have to leave you to waste away far from me, for I am getting tired of thinking there’s something wrong with me and realize there’s something wrong with you.

“Sentimentalism”

In the past few years I find that I have become sentimental of times past, times present. I remember the smile of a soldier who I bandaged a wound or splinted a fracture and the look that soldier gave me and the heart becomes warm and a tears forms in these ole eyes. I recall the smile and embrace from an athlete as I handed over a framed and matted print of them captured on a field and it makes the heart smile and a tear form in the corner of my eye. I recall a smile and thank you from many of the folks that were thankful for spending a few minutes to help them out to get where they needed  to go and my heart goes warm and a tear from in the corner of these ole eyes.

I look forward to the days I share an image captured through my ole eyes and cameras and lens that make someone smile, and then a warmth comes over my heart and a tear forms in the corner of these ole eyes.

For those that get blessed and lucky enough to be a part of my life, my caring , my kindness thank you for allowing me to be a part of yours. I hope that the smile always warms your heart, I don’t want a tear to form in the corner of your eye, just a smile and warmth to enter your heart!!!