I shall start by quoting the opening lines of
Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of
times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the
epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light,
it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of
despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all
going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way
There is no
better way to describe my year. So much has gone wrong and yet so much went
right, and left and a little over that way. Yet as I ponder my birthday, I am
grateful. I don’t know that I would do it any other way.
In the
beginning as I despaired the state of my life, I chose to remember the people
that have been there for me, stood by me and tolerated my shit. Being out of a
job so soon in that year I decided I would dedicate this year to my friends and
paying them back in kind…God knows I hadn’t a coin to buy them even a ‘rolex’.
To all the
guys I met in Egypt, I cannot dare mention you all because 1) I probably can’t
remember all the names 2) I can’t spell them right 3) Someone might get mad if I
forget to mention them. But my flat mates both the ladies and guys apartment,
you guys Egypt’s winter days livable.
To
Hannington a friend in lean times, you are a man of few words but many stories.
You believed enough in my dream to invest so much of yourself. I Hope that when
I do make it in this photography business I can repay you one way or another.
To Diana,
Beqy, Racheal, Pesh and Kamphat, my oldest friends both in time and age…lol…you
guys have provided stability and way to remain anchored. You provide a window
into the past and a reminder of where we have come from. I have the pictures to
prove it.
Kamphat you
have been a companion while I slowly came unhinged, with no judgment or
condemnation you listened and allowed me vent. You have been extra special to
me this season. I hope I can pay you back.
Edith, your
belief in me has always been a buoy when the waves of uncertainty and doubt
tossed me around. We have been friends and not friends many times but you have
always been there when the dust settled. You saved my dreams and thus on many occasions
saved me.
Adrian, I am
sure you are shocked you are part of this list but for some reason you have
always inspired me and challenged me. We have been through some pretty weird
times and I you are a source of inspiration in these things of art and design.
From the days in that windowless Equatorial mall office to Elemental Edge who
you are has been an immense blessing. Just know I blow for you often.
Martin,
gosh..this would have been a really terrible journey if you had not come along.
Yours will be a short salutation mostly because Vegas never spills its secrets
hehehe
Sarah and
Jacky, even in this post you are together. Your unfettered love and compassion
and generosity has made many gloomy days brighter. Just know that what you have
done for me, well lets just say there is always room in my heart for you. There
is nothing that you would ever need that if I had you I would not give you.
Sarah and
Olivia, let’s just say that I am glad that some people still see the white
underneath all the dark soot of life’s many battles. Why you have so much faith
in me is still a mystery that I hope Is revealed soon kubanga me I am confused
mob. Keep believing, it gives some of us hope.
Patience,
there aren’t words to describe how we met. Random comes close naye it does not
do justice. We have walked through some of my darkest and lowest moments, we
have chatted, argues, laughed and more. I pray that I am there for you just as
much as you have been for me. You deserve all the good life gives and more.
Odeke Onyait,
you have been a constant challenge and inspiration. When I grow up I want to be
as focused and ambitious as you are. May many good things come your way.
Allow me
also to apologise. There are many friends that I let down massively this year.
I am sorry. I hope that the gaff is not so big that we cannot overcome it but
in the event that it is, well just know being your friend has been an honour
and that I am grateful for the friendship.
When I am
rich and famous and they ever asked me to write a book I suspect it would be a
photo book with portraits of all the people who have been with me throughout
this journey of life because each of you has taught me something that has
changed my life or revealed something about me. You have nurtured and
challenged my dreams and ambitions. You have supported and encouraged me,
rebuked and corrected me, laughed and cried and simply shared life with me. For
that I am grateful.
I simply
could not have done it without you.
