Nothing is too late - even when it seems that it is.

I came across this piece that I had written - apparently as a trilogy of thoughts based on its original title, when I was first struck by the need to engage in the In Search of America project.

It reminded me of my original commitment which, I am proud to say, has not diminished over time. And this comes at a crucial time, as well, when I find myself questioning my unwavering commitment to continuing with the project.

My commitment is still there but my optimism, at times, does seem to dip low - feeling as if I am a bandleader with only a few band members following. Yes people want change… many crave it; but few seem to be willing to engage in a process to help bring about the change.

I am reminded of my mother who, for decades, was a heavy smoker. I accompanied her to a physical exam where they x-rayed her lungs. One lung looked as if it were an onion sack, with more holes than lung. The other lung was’t better. Yet even with this awareness she continued to smoke just as heavily.

Was it a sense of hopelessness that prevented her from quitting? Believing that there was no point now? Fortunately, a few months later she did quit, and her lungs actually began to regenerate - proving that nothing is too late - even when it seems that it is.

I leave you with the original text that began it all:

Introduction: Part Two of Three
December 4, 2014

Over the years, for far more than a decade, I have watched as our society has become increasingly estranged from itself. With each passing day we seem to become more, and more, polarized within ourselves. Our elected officials seem to capitalize on this destruction, as does the news media. They seem to continually feed this demon, and we, as individuals willingly digest these offerings for the beast - unwittingly I want to believe, and that is why I must follow through on this project.

As the [working title] title says: “In Search of America”. My heart tells me that not all is lost to the beast; that throughout this country there are still those who abide by the America that I knew growing up, and that my parents, and grandparents knew - and fought for, and believed in, long before I was born. I see glimpses of it everywhere; sometimes in small ways, and sometimes powerfully obvious. The media doesn’t seem to want us to know, nor do our elected officials. But it is my responsibility, as a photographer, and as a storyteller, to bring this truth to light, if it exists; to shed a light upon it, and to give those devoted to it a voice that can be heard by all.

A wonderful quote from a song written by Leonard Cohen: “There is a crack in everything, and that’s where the light comes in”. I am looking for the cracks, and my desire is to pry them open wide so that the light pours in. 

In the end, perhaps I will have failed. Perhaps I am wrong, and the hope is gone. But I still must try. I am willing to take that chance.

I have no choice.