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April 7, 2013

14/52


"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Maile: Jumping up and down, holding firmly to her Dada's hands.

Though surely imperfect to the eye of a trained photographer, I love the light in this photo. The placement of the sun on Tim's wedding ring, on our beautiful daughter, on her trust in him. Tim, in the shadow, but there ... strong, present.

Roughneck families are often on the receiving end of a lot of trash-talking. Literally, being called "oilfield trash" (and that's one of the nicer terms), and figuratively, because of the lifestyle. The weeks -- sometimes months -- away from children, wives, homes. What these sad individuals don't see, don't get, is that the majority of these men work this work not to be away from their families, but because of, for their families. They rough their hands and add years to their bodies because they care so much more about the ones they leave at home than they do about themselves. I wanted to add a longer description this week because it is that beauty, that sacrifice, that is represented to me in this photo. It is my hope that you see it, too.

13 comments:

  1. We absolutely get up here in Canada.
    Living in Oil & Gas town and both working in the industry we 100% get where you are at.
    We work in the offices here so make different sacrifices but we've spent time with our field co-workers so we get it.
    Kudos to you Tim & M for your special love. Near and far!

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    1. Oh, I didn't realize that! Love learning something new, especially when it's something else we have in common. :)

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  2. Beautiful photo of your family :)

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  3. That is a gorgeous photo, and for all the reasons you say it is! And it's the same way with bush families over here, my dad has always been a bushman and people do look down on him for being away so much but what they don't see is how present he is when he is home, and how much more connecting and love he fits into a weekend than many dads do who are home all the time.

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    1. Absolutely! Not to take anything away from dads who do see their kids every night, but the dynamic between a father and daughter who don't see each other as often is definitely different. I'll bet your dad has some great stories, too!

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  4. Love it! All of it....such a sweet photo with a strong story behind it. Those are always my favorites!

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  5. Love this special moment you caught! :)

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  6. oh that's horrible for people to say that. i never thought that it was like that! i totally agree on actually it being admirable that they work so hard to provide for you all. shame on them. and this is a beautiful photo!

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