Joe’s Last Day
This was Joe’s last day of work at the Texas House of Representatives. He had worked there for 25 years; as long as I’ve been alive. I didn’t have to be at work until 10:30am that morning, so I drove up to the Capitol knowing it would be my last real chance to shoot Joe in the place he knew as his well as his own home.
My time there that morning was quite enjoyable, even knowing what the afternoon would hold. When Joe left for the day, I’m told he didn’t even realize he wouldn’t be coming back to work after the New Year.
Over the next few days, Joe went out with his mother on errands and the like during the day. One morning, she had to leave him at home, and like a prisoner given the keys to his cell, Joe slipped out and went back to work. Apparently his ride provided by Capitol Metro hadn’t been canceled yet.
The party, people telling him goodbye, the comments about him enjoying retirement; none of it really registered. When Joe’s mother came to pick him up at lunch time, he finally realized the reality of his retirement. I’m glad I didn’t have to be there to see it.
January 24th, 2006 at 10:33 am
I’ve been stalking your site for quite a while, but never commented. Maybe because the words ‘nice’ or ‘great’ are not enough. I think your photos are excellent and the Joe series is not only very aesthetically appealing, but also touching. I wish I could say something clever, using photography terminology, but I can’t. You make great phots, that’s all.
January 25th, 2006 at 2:33 am
Well that in and of itself is an extremely generous comment. But the fact that I clicked the link to your site only to find some really phenomenal photography is all the more flattering. Your work is quite beautiful. Thanks for your kind words.