Goodbye Gracious Lady • RIP

3 years 8 months ago #692362 by Nikon Shooter
Nineteen years ago, I was commissioned to report on the future restoration plans
of a castle declared cultural good. Everything was fine but a surprise was there for
me at the bottom of these stairs.

A pretty and smily ol'lady was wondering why a bearded bear driving a big motor-
cycle, walking with fast pace carrying a big bag was taking pictures totally ignoring 
her presence!

"Sorry Madame, I was not ignoring you but discovering the place and working my
shots." I showed her my credentials and that seemed to have put the so sweet la-
dy at ease. She invited me for an early morning coffee on her terrace and she went
talking no end about whatever… but always in a funny, amused tone in her voice.

I directed the conversation at some point with questions of my own.

She said she was married at 16 to a 17 1/2 yo (she insisted on that!) young man
that she loved and was drafted in the army during WWII, the day of their mariage.
He was killed within months and she remained a (do I dare say "virgin"?) widow
for the rest of her life. The owner of the castle, who has also lost his son, offered
her this tower as living quarters for life… free of charge.


Claudia (she insisted on that too!) was visited in early March /20 by some folks from
the health department. "Frau Claudia, Sie sind ganz g'sund! Wir werden in einem
Monat zurück sein.… in Ordnung?" They were back in May, June too… all OK.

She was found in her bed in July, victim of CV19… possibly contaminated by the
folks from the HD — since she had no social life to speak of.

I know millions have died and more are on the way but this one… and how it pos-
sibily happened… is too hard for me. 

Auf wiedersehen… Fräulein (I insist!) Claudia, I'll keep your smile forever.


Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
The following user(s) said Thank You: Scott McKenzie
,
3 years 8 months ago #692366 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day NS

Lovely image - and lovelier story, showing the 'unintended consequences' that occur through life
Full marks to you for caring and sharing

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

,
3 years 8 months ago #692386 by Nikon Shooter
Many thanks Phil!

When I heard the news in mid July, I ran to her place
to find that she was gone, of course, and her living
quarters were emptied as well — as seen here, even
the curtains of her bedroom window were remove as
no one as ever been there!

The weather was cold and grey and I felt the same.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
3 years 8 months ago #692827 by Lauren Grant
Good back story! I like the contrast of the shot. 


,
3 years 8 months ago #692839 by Nikon Shooter
Thanks again. :)

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
3 years 8 months ago #692880 by Connie K Photos
At first I was going to comment on just the photo - B&W perfection, classic architecture captured here.  Then I read the story, and WOW.  Amazing when you see a shot like this, that grabs your attention, then you hear such a story, and that changes things.  Thank you for sharing this photo and story. 


Photo Comments
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3 years 8 months ago #692965 by Nikon Shooter
Most welcome. Connie! :)

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
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