I have found that the result of pushing past one’s comfort opens the door to conversations about subjects that are unspoken of, which is how today I can share with you one of my most beautiful projects- The Intimacy of Loss. Before this session I prayed for God’s guidance, transparency, understanding, and for him to take the lead as I stepped into the most vulnerable and difficult circumstances I have ever photographed. I’m still not sure I could have fully prepared myself mentally or emotionally for what I was stepping into, but I trusted God. With every click I began to question my ability to convey this story right, until I realized the story was telling itself and it was simply allowing me to capture it. I watched behind my lens as the Pippin family tore down in front of me their barrier of strength and allowed themselves to feel love and loss.
I watched the strength of unity overcome the heaviness of weakness and darkness. I heard the joy of laughter drain out the cries of pain and it was in these moments that I understood the faith of trusting God when it hurts but more importantly when it doesn’t make any sense.
One of the most memorable things I heard Mike say while discussing the future was “I hope I’m around to see it all. I don’t think I will be, but I’ll be looking from up there,” and as I edited footage of him saying these exact words I couldn’t help but replay this conversation over and over. The sureness that Mike had that he would soon be joining his Heavenly Father and eternal body overwhelmed my spirit with pain for the life he was leaving behind, those he was leaving who call him son, husband, brother, dad, grandfather, but also with a peace that he was finally reaching the finish line to a race well fought. When I was younger I was told that when it rains after someone passes it’s a sign they have safely and happily made it to Heaven, and as the rain danced on my window this morning I smiled knowing Mike was dancing along with it.
James "Mike" Michal Pippin
December 26, 1956 - March 28, 2019
From the bottom of my heart, to every single member of the Pippin family, I thank you.
“Psalm 23:4-
Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
The valley of the shadow of death holds no darkness for the child of God. There must be light, or else there could be no shadow. Jesus is the light. He has overcome death. ”