He got Me Into Photography

ron's memorial, originally uploaded by runmango.

I work as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in Pasadena. Fresh out of Med tech school I got this job. A graveyard shift but I still got to meet Ron the Flow Cytometry tech. I only spent one week training on the third floor where he was stationed. Although I didn't train in flow I did in Microbiology which was just across the hall from flow/immunology dept. was. So one day he grabbed me sat me down and took out a camera and took a picture of me. And even though it was somewhat of a shock and ah maneuver on his part. His big smile and kind personality made what would normally be an invasion of personal space into a memorable moment that left a great impression in me.

I ask to take a look at the camera, and as I was looking at it I was telling him how I always wanted to experiment with photography except the cost prevented me. I told him that it is a nice camera and started walking away. He then grabbed me and showed me an older model than he had the Nikon f1000. He handed it to me along with a flash and some film. He gave some pointers and said "go and take some pictures bring it back and I'll develop it for you." and so I did.

A couple weeks later I came back with the film and camera in hand. I gave him the film and camera. He kept the film but told me the camera was for me to keep. This was my first SLR!!!

Another week later he brought back the developed film and said he liked my pictures. I walked out confident and grateful. I promised my self (and him) to take Photography lessons.

Now that I got a digital SLR and some classes under me. I am out taking pictures of the world for the world's enjoyment not mention mine.

Ron died a couple weeks ago of cancer. He did not want a memorial to take place. Instead he ask to be cremated. However we at the lab made a memorial against his wishes. You see Ron was men that touch everyone heart that came across him. And it was all of us who needed to remember him one last time. It was there where many had similar stories than mine. He was a good unselfish man that didn't disserve to be taken from the earth. We all could learn from him in life and in death.

I sang amazing grace at his memorial and could not help but to get a tear in my eye. You see with that one moment, that one gesture, he has forever marked my heart and healed my soul. Thank you Ron