It’s time to say thank you!
Sherelene and I were talking the other night and I commented to her that at 78 years of age, I simply can’t believe how my life has turned out! I’ve been blessed beyond measure! She said why do you think that is so? Of course she knew the answer to that question but it allowed me to go back to near the beginning and think of all the people that have a profound affect on my life! First I am sure that were it not for my Heavenly Father all the blessing and people would never have come into my life!
I have to start with my family; Sherelene, Scott, Wesley and Catherine. Each have been a huge part of my success. They have all supported me, loved me and allowed me to go out and pursue my dreams! After along times on the road they were always waiting for my return and have been the greatest blessings of my life!
Early in my photography career the late Don Nelson, one of Nikon’s greatest sales reps took me under his wing and opened countless doors for me that allowed me to meet and work with photographic luminaries I would have never otherwise met! He also became one of my best friends!
Because of Don I met Bill Pekala the long time head of Nikon Professional Services who. also became a great friend and later hired me to be a NPS tech rep for 11 years with Nikon! Bill also assigned me to countless exciting events across America once again leading to my meeting and working with hundreds of leaders of many fields! I got to be part of a extraordinary team of professionals who taught me so much!
While teaching and running the Great American
Photograph Weekends programs I worked with Cliff Zenor, Mike Ellison, Tony Sweet, David Akoubian and R.C. Concepcion. They all were great friends!
While on an assignment in Nashville I met and got to know country music legend Ricky Skaggs and we went on to become great friends and brothers in the Lord!
While living in Harlan in the 70’s Dr. Jerry Bryson and his wife Pat led a home Bible study that ended up being a pivotal part of mine an Sherelene’s growth as young Christians, we owe them a great debt gratitude! Their lessons live with us everyday!
Four other men that have had a profound affect on my walk and are dear friends; left to right Dr. Chuck Summers, the pilgrim, the late Dr. Charles Stanley and Ken Jenkins.
While getting to know Charles Stanley I met one off his very best friends Carl Turner, once again, God placed him in my life as a dear friend and valued encourager and great friend! He inspires me everyday!
The late Bryan Jolley was an incredible inspiration to me in so many ways, especially his enormous faith and compassion!
When I retired from Nikon a very long time friend, Jack Graham and I deepened our friendship and he invited me to teach workshops together with him! Over ten ten years of working together we have cemented a great friendship! Jack is a great photographer, leader, friend and brother!
While teaching with His Light Workshop I met and became close friends with Jim Begley, a dear brother and friend and a great shooter! In an early workshop in Savannah with Scott Kelby, another wonderful friend I met another very dear brother and friend Jim Haverstock! Jim has become a very dear mentor to me spiritually! I seek his counsel often!
I am very sure that someone who deserves to mentioned in this blog is not here, remember, I’m 78, pleae forgive me!
I count all these people as real blessings from the Lord!
In Him,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024 at 8:54 pm
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You have been the friend we all hope for in life.
I’m thrilled if that is true!
Ditto Haverstock!!!!
Ditto Carl!
Great Post. I have enjoyed my time spent with you through the years. If it wasn’t for hurricane Helene I would have been up to see you this fall.
I look forward to our next visit!
Bill
Even though I only had one opportunity to meet you, I’ve been following your blog for years. It’s true that you have had a blessed life. I accepted Jesus as my personal savior at the age of 13. I am one year behind you. He has been so good to me, far better than I deserve. The best thing I ever did was asking him to take over my life and guide me. What a blessing that has been. He brought my wonderful wife, two children, and 5 grandchildren. l have disappointed him so many times but he was always there when I needed him. Sorry for rambling on, I just wanted to say what a wonderful privilege it was to meet you and learn from you.
That is a great testimony, and I know from our only meeting that you wear your faithbwell, I’m honored to know you as well!
I was on that trip with you all in the Tetons, where that photo was taken at Cowboy Village. Such a blessing. Grateful for you, brother!
Grateful for you to Walter!
In life only a few impact one’s life and direction. As you so correctly said” It’s
‘no accident”. God delivered me to Yosemite about 27 years ago when we first met.
And He has a lot in store for us in our futures, We have a few more lives to touch ( yes we have a 2025 schedule)!. I always kid around that I’m writing 2 books when I call it quits on the workshop business
1) What time do we leave?
2) What lens should I use?
After your thoughtful blog here, I’m adding a 3rd…
3) It’s no accident!
Promise me that you’ continue to adapt and keep on keeping’ on with me and keep reminding me to cherish what we have done, and what we can still do. All of this is, for sure…No Accident.. Praise God for letting us drive the bus. He decides where it goes.
Love ya,, and everyone who may read this…JG
PS…REGARDING THAT PHOTO OF ME….Not everyone sees us with the luggage carts full of cameras, AV gear at midnight in some distant airport. If I remember right, the night of that image you had a full cart too!. Looking back I wouldn’t have not changed anything.Getting to work with the Master of the Photo Workshop, learn, trade stories and bad jokes is something few will ever know. Thank you BILL…. you are definitely DA man… as well as my best friend. you have always been there.
….and I will continue to be, as long as I can stand up and move forward!!!! As to the last sentence – “right back at you my brother!”