An old picture of some, now, older men……………..

This photograph is probably around thirty years old. The guys in the picture are thirty years older, now. A few years before this picture was taken that I met the man on the far left. This is Don Nelson and he probably had more to do with the success of my career than anyone but, Sherelene and the Lord. I meet Don over thirty years ago, and he became a lifelong friend, we have prayed each other through cancer, and entertained more audiences than I can count. Don introduced me to Hugh Morton, and Grandfather Mountain, invited me to speak and then moderate the Southern Short Course. He introduced me to people that became lifelong friends like staff members at the Smithsonian, and at National Geographic. During my long friendship with Don I met and got to know the legends of photography of our era. What a grand time we had.

More important than all of that, Don became a dear, close friend. Don has always been there when I needed him, and I’ve done the same for him. We’ve seen each other soar high, and hit bottom. We’ve laughed and cried and grown old together. Don sold me my first F3 film camera,
the first in my part of the country. Much of what I know about Nikon came from the long sessions I spent with Don. We’ve enjoyed the best things a friendship and can be. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving. Don has given me so much and I have gratefully received his friendship and the joy of exploring the world of photography together.

When Don and I, and Tom and Bob above got together it was always nonstop laughter and
fellowship.

Thank you Father for the blessing of a friend like Don. I pray that everyone will, at least once in their lives have such a friend.

the pilgrim

P.S. Chris, Jeff, and Scott, give the old man and extra long hug for me this Christmas, I know you love him just as I do, he really deserves it!