Through a Lens

I was recently asked to compose a letter describing my desire to volunteer as Rosehedge/Multifaith Works’ Professional Photographer. The first thought that came to mind was, ‘Why wouldn’t I?’ The idea was introduced by a friend of mine that follows my work closely. When this idea was mentioned to me in passing, there was absolutely no hesitation on my part. I sent in my request to volunteer immediately and with the same promptness, I heard back from RHMFW with an enthusiastic “Yes!”


There are many reasons circling my desire to volunteer, but perhaps the most prevalent was that I simply wanted to learn from these individuals living with a disease that still remains incurable. I have suffered loss, I have suffered pain but nothing like the individuals I was about to take pictures of.


Every day, so many of us walk around feeling unstoppable, but even the strongest tree can be taken down. One immeasurable storm and that tree will be destroyed. These people living with AIDS are in the worst storm of their lives, but they keep fighting every day. We will never truly understand a storm so great unless faced with it ourselves.


As I took pictures of these people for the first time, I realized that I am not unstoppable. We will all be faced with a storm one day and it is not about how hard we get hit. It is about how hard we can get hit and keep getting back up.


I volunteered to show the world what we all so easily ignore. There are people living with AIDS all around us and these people need love now more than ever before.


Thank you Rosehedge/Multifaith Works for this opportunity and for teaching me the value of life.


Sincerely,


Crystal Eve

Crystal Eve Photography