I learned a very important lesson as a photographer shortly after taking this picture. For weeks I had driven past this combine. Stuck in the middle of a field it looked as if it had been there forever. Each time I drove by I thought about stopping to photograph it, but was always too tired, too cold, or just too lazy. One evening as I was driving by I saw that the sun was beginning to set, I grabbed my camera from the back seat and jumped out to take this photograph. When I drove by again, just a few days later, the combine was gone.
For me this picture is a great reminder that procrastination has a price, especially as a photographer. Had I not taken this photograph when I did, I would never have had the opportunity again. Life is full of special moments, but we can miss them if were not paying attention…
My dad is a Veteran who served in Vietnam. It wasn’t until I was older that he shared with me some of the experiences that he had while he was there. Having signed up to serve when he was only 18, he left for Vietnam a boy and came back a man. I listen to his stories and can only imagine what it must have been like for him leaving home for the first time to find himself in the middle of a war, dealing with constant fear, and wondering if he would ever make it home again. I think of all the young men and women serving our country today. What would we do without these brave men and women willing to lay down their lives to protect our freedom? Words can not express the gratitude I feel toward them and the sorrow I feel for those who have lost their lives. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, you are truly Heroes!