Friday, April 16, 2010

How I learned to see - Part Two

Something else I learned while discovering photography was capturing images of important people in my life felt really good. I didn't know it at the time but some of these images would take on a greater significance.

Friends were my first target and who better than my very best friend, Bruce K. Truth be told, he didn't seem too fond of having his picture taken.

Bruce K going home - Small
Memories from Grade 6
© 1975 Brent Garnett

Living in a small town and being too young to drive meant we lived on our bicycles.

Brent G and Bruce K with bicycles - Small
Friends with Bikes
© 1975 Brent Garnett

I would love to know exactly how MANY miles we put on our bicycles. My first "serious" bicycle was a silver Sears Free Spirit ten speed.

Sears Free Spirit 10 Speed - Small
Freedom on Wheels
© 1975 Brent Garnett

We graduated from grade six and moved on, leaving behind childish things, learning the ropes in the savage jungle that is high school. Bruce and I were separated into different alphabetized home rooms and we rarely met during on school days. It was an adjustment for all of us in this new environment.

Shortly into his high school career, for reasons that remain unknown to me to this day, Bruce K. ended his own life.

Bruce K on bicycle - Small
Memories of Bruce K.
© 1976 Brent Garnett

I still miss him.

1 comment:

  1. Very sad time. I can't say I felt happy during my teens or it may just have been living in Campbellford. Having grampa living with us, driving Mom insane! But regardless what we went through, the experiences we had, played a part in shaping who we became. You're a very caring individual, intelligent, artistic, a loving husband and great dad. If we could change the past would we? I would say absolutely not!

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