“Well, Jon,
While your body paid the price, your physical suffering revealed your raw beauty. Your inflection (is that a word)
causes me to stop and think. Your photographs cause me to stop and feel.
Thank you so much and do surround yourself with that same energy you surround everyone you love with.
Rest and recover.
Deidra”

I often discuss the cruel and hurtful messages unthinking people send on social media; I, too, rarely share the beautiful ones, the ones that make me feel good to do the work I do. I am grateful to know there are human beings who understand the meaning of humanity and empathy. In a time of anger, relentless hate, and cruelty, good hearts and good people stand out.

Deirda sent this message after I wrote that, as promised, taking my flower photos outside in the sun did make me sick. I am in quarantine today. I went to the farmer’s market with Maria to buy fish and Cindy’s soap. I got a brush and some shaving soap. No more shaving cream from big companies.

I loved Diedra’s message not only because it was so kind and generous – I did like that very much – but because it reminds me of the danger ignorant and angry people – we call them trolls – can do, and how messages like this are rare and often driven underground. Lots of good people don’t wish to get harmed or frightened. It’s a significant loss; Deirda’s beautiful thoughts and written messages teach us much about what is lost as well as what is gained.

I hope to hear from her often. I don’t know her, but I would like to.

Thanks, Deirda, for such a beautiful affirmation of my work. Small people can’t do that; they love correcting, suspecting, and disliking. You gave me a real life; you are the energy I love and strive to emulate.

(photo from the Williams College Museum.)