another sign of hard times

[Derry]

I just completed a lengthy trip through the NE area of Canada and the US,, saw many beautiful sights and certainly some not so good,,

this one struck me the most as to what hard times are really about,,

many homeless have fallen upon hard economic times through no fault of their own, and with some perseverance and good fortune stand a chance to regain what they once had,, others suffer from mental health issues, addictions or both; their chances of getting back on their feet is not nearly as likely,,

the role of the photographer is to put a face on these misfortunate people without stripping them of what dignity they have left,, hopefully I have done such,,

[Newtome]

Your photo says it all and you certainly did it with dignity. Hard to look at the sadness of these people and those who love them. You are an incredible photographer. This is a photo I will think about often.
Thank you, Elaine

[vawitt]

I think this shot captured your setiments quite well. Thanks for sharing.

[Deborah]

Thank you for sharing, Quite sobering effect (no pun attended)

Deborah

[bobmielke]

Your photo says it all and you certainly did it with dignity. Hard to look at the sadness of these people and those who love them. You are an incredible photographer. This is a photo I will think about often.
Thank you, Elaine

This is a better view of the before & after series. I still can't believe I got a chance to actually talk to the owner who was in that building as it blew apart. He and the only other tenant grabbed a ladder on each end & crawled on the long gangway to the shore & relative safety from the 129 mph winds trying to blow them out to sea.

Before:
http://bobmielke.smugmug.com/photos/174378139_JMTeS-L-1.jpg
After:
http://bobmielke.smugmug.com/photos/255709924_KbrWF-L-1.jpg

[bobmielke]

Your attached photo does speak volumes about a society that condones alcohol but bans drugs. I'm a recovering alcoholic myself. I haven't had a drink since September 19, 1978. I see photographs like yours through different eyes.

[Newtome]

Bob,
As the mother of a recovering alcoholic and the daughter of an alcoholic I have seen the devastating effects of this mind altering "drug" on themselves, their families and society. Congratulations on your continued sobriety one day at a time. I appreciate that you certainly see things through a different eye, as we all do depending on our life experiences. I look forward to seeing more of your photography skills and the stories they tell.
Elaine