LOUD&CLEAR
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No. 13 // 2023
Victoria
Jimenez Vega FASHION MODEL Photo by LEONARD LOPEZ @artographybyleonard // Makeup by TINA TOLEDO @nizhoni_lashes
Kristy Gronseth
Model
COMMERCIAL EDITORIAL FASHION RUNWAY
MODELING Kristy Gronseth @kristysilver70 PHOTOGRAPHY Mariah Madeline @missmariahmadeline REPRESENTATION DMe Talent Agency @dmetalentagency Couture Models, Inc. NY @couturemodelsincny
LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE // 2023 // No. 13
Distinguished Artist John Simpkins grew up in Denver, Colorado
PROFESSIONAL TRUMPETER JOHN SIMPKINS Booking
@JOHNSIMPKINS23 WWW.JOHNSTRUMPET.com
and started playing the trumpet in his school band at Horace Mann Middle School. After attending North High School, he went to College to study trumpet and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He began teaching private trumpet lessons after completing college in 2011. In 2015, John started repairing band instruments for schools and professionals in the Denver Metro area. The trifecta of playing, teaching, and repairing has led him down a pretty cool path as a musician. I believe through music, a young student can learn how to improve their posture, articulation, health, and ability to adapt to or communicate with others. I was blessed by having great teachers that motivated and inspired me as a young musician. As a budding musician I studied trumpet with Keith Harms, Gerald Endsley, and Ron Miles. I hope that my work as a private instructor is not just making better trumpet players but also giving young students the self motivation and pride that my teachers instilled in me. In addition to private lessons, I have volunteered and/or been adjunct staff in the band programs at North High School, East High School, and Beach Court Elementary. At age fifteen I started playing in bands outside of school and my main gig was a group called Askimbo. In the years I played in this group we performed approximately 2000 shows, released four albums, and played hundreds of venues ranging from the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater to the intimate El Chapultepec. These days I am putting out music as a solo artist and primarily playing with the group Muchly Suchwise. Muchly Suchwise is a collection of childhood friends which started as a songwriting club. The group would be best described as Nerd Rock. It is a combination of seasoned musicians having a little fun. In my solo project I have recently been inspired by my job repairing band instruments. Over the years I have been replacing parts on my trumpet either out of fun or necessity. In late 2019, I rebuilt my trumpet using parts from Bach Stradivarous, Blackburn, and Harrleson trumpets. This unique combination created a tone and response that inspired me to start writing. The subsequent result was the single Cowboys and Pelicans recently released, and the album with the same title coming soon.
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LOUD & CLEAR LOUD & CLEAR MAGAZINE IS RELEASED AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. IT IS A DIGITAL MAGAZINE. PRINT COPIES ARE PRINTED ON DEMAND AND CAN BE ORDERED AT REQUEST. DIGITAL LINKS WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS. WE DO NOT PROVIDE FREE PRINT COPIES OF THE ISSUE. FOUNDER & PUBLISHER DAVE NAVARRO // @_designprint @loudandclearmagazine CREATIVE design&print CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AUTHOR RUSS RAY // @eat.travel.type.colorado PHOTOGRAPHERS (REGULARS) ANDREW ORTEGA // aperture.ortega RICKY ZASTROW // @coloradophotoworks DOUG MUNGAVIN // @dougmungavinphotography JUSTIN JACKRABBIT // @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc JANNETTE OROZCO // djannetteo ADVERTISING & PROMOTION dave.designprint@gmail.com COPYRIGHTS LOUD & CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE is owned by DAVE NAVARRO. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith. All rights reserved. Nothing can be partially or in whole be reprinted or reproduced without express written permission.
L&C SPOTLIGHT W/ SARAH PAGE 13-20 SARAH @csdresstoimpress FURI FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY @furi.focus 5
ARTIST CONTENTS DISTINGUISHED 3 PROFESSIONAL TRUMPETER: JOHN SIMPKINS L&C BEHIND-THE-SCENES 5
SARAH // @csdresstoimpress
5 FACTS 9-11
KASSAUNDRA MARIE // Entreprenuer + Model
LOUD&CLEAR SPOTLIGHT
15-20 SARAH // @csdresstoimpress Photography by Furi Focus Photography @furi.focus
10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
22-23 ALT ROCK JAMS by Dave DRUNK RN // Bailey Elora @baileyelora GHOST // Citizen Tempest @citizentempest WAVES // Pandas & People @pandasandpeople COOL CALM COLLECTED // Elektric Animals @elektricanimals HELL YEAH? // Silver & Gold @silverandgoldco SEMI KINDA RIGHT // One Flew West @oneflewwest MOONLIGHT // This Broken Beat @thisbrokenbeat APOLLO // OptycNerd @optycnerd I SEE FIRE // Neon the Bishop @neonthebishop FELT SO RIGHT // CITRA @citra_band
COVER FEATURE
6-7 VICTORIA JIMENEZ VEGA // Fashion Model 25-31 INTERVIEW Photography by Leonard Lopez @artographybyleonard Make-up by Tina Toledo @nizhoni_lashes Other photographers credited within the interview.
INDIE SPOTLIGHT 33
THE SCHOFIELDS // COUNTRY ROCK
Model VICTORIA JIMENEZ VEGA @vickie_vega Photographer RICK JIRON @rick_jiron_photography
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INTERVIEW WITH
VICTORIA JIMENEZ VEGA PAGE 25-31
Model VICTORIA JIMENEZ VEGA @vickievega, Makeup Artist TINA TOLEDO @nizhoni_lashes Photographer LEONARD LOPEZ @artographybyleonard
MODEL FEATURES 35 36-37 38-39 40-41 42-43 44-45
DAISY TAPIA KRISTY GRONSETH // @rjm505 DAISY TAPIA // @luxphotoz806 EVELINA // @dougmungavinphotography JAZELL ROSE // @jzw_photo CELINA // @dougmungavinphotography
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Elysé for @miri.boheme
@EAT.TRAVEL.TYPE.COLORADO
47-48 ONCE UPON A TIME and TRUE ADMIRATION by Author Russ Ray
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5 FACTS KASSAUNDRA MARIE @dose_of_kass // @bellacosaspa1
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KASSAUNDRA MARIE @dose_of_kass // BELLA COSA MED SPA @bellacosamedspa
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kassaUndra marie ENTREPRENUER // MODEL 1. I am 31 years young and thriving! I have 3 beautiful children, 2 boys and a girl whose a little diva already! Wonder where she gets it from?! 2. I am a managing partner with my Mother at Bella Cosa Med Spa. We have been open for almost a decade now and we are also a woman-owned business. 3. I am a gym fanatic! If I ain’t at work or home with my children, you know where to find me. The gym is my “me time” as well as a stress reliever for me that’s for sure!
4. I take pride in all I do and love to inspire others along the way as well. I love to be a positive role model. Not only for others, but most importantly for my children. 5. My Journey and road to success has just begun. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and my career! Bonus Fact! My favorite ice cream is cookies and cream. I can eat the whole half gallon of Blue Bell Cookies and Cream ice cream if you let me! Follow her at: @dose_of_kass
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BOOK YOUR PHOTOSHOOT TODAY! DOUG MUNGAVIN PHOTOGRAPHY NEW MEXICO | WEST TEXAS @dougmungavinphotography Model: Diana Estrada @di_an_a.e
SARAH @ c s d r e s s t o i m p r e s s
LOUD& CLEAR SPOTLIGHT
TM
Photography by Furi Focus Photography @furi.focus
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Spice it Up with Luck! NOW YOU CAN COOK LIKE A CAJUN Need A Lil Help In The Kitchen? New DIY cajun food meal kits make mealtime fun and easy! Meals ready in less than an hour! Learn more at: https://diycookin.com
Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo Whatchu’ Gon’ Need (Ingredients) 1 cup Roux Dat Gumbo Base found at diycookin.com 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 green bell peppers 1 white onion chopped 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 pound chicken breast or thighs 1 pound andouille sausage Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (Cooking Instructions) Chicken & Sausage Gumbo (serves 6-8) Boil 2 quarts of water in a 6 quart pot In a SEPERATE SKILLET (cast iron preferred), heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil ADD 2 bell peppers, 1 onion chopped, ½ cup chopped celery Sauté vegetables ADD 1 cup of Roux Dat Gumbo Base (½ jar) with vegetables and stir into boiling water. Dice & season 1 pound chicken & 1 pound andouille sausage ADD diced sausage to boiling water and bring back to boil ADD diced chicken and return to boil Cook on a low boil for 60 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked. Serve over steamed rice.
10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ALT ROCK JAMS by Dave
SILVER & GOLD @silverandgoldco // CASEY JACK PHOTOGRAPHY @caseyjack
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DRUNK RN // Bailey Elora @baileyelora GHOST // Citizen Tempest @citizentempest WAVES // Pandas & People @pandasandpeople COOL CALM COLLECTED // Elektric Animals @elektricanimals HELL YEAH? // Silver & Gold @silverandgoldco SEMI KINDA RIGHT // One Flew West @oneflewwest MOONLIGHT // This Broken Beat @thisbrokenbeat APOLLO // OptycNerd @optycnerd I SEE FIRE // Neon the Bishop @neonthebishop FELT SO RIGHT // CITRA @citra_band 23
Donate at: gofund.me/0c1ec064 Independent Records has always been much more then just a record store to me - I started going when I was about 13 yrs old and they also sold skateboard stuff back then and I was a Skater but at the same time I was really starting to get into music - I have always had love for all genres of music and that’s where I would dig, sample and experience new music - which started me on my journey as Dj - it is also where I bought my first Bong when I was old enough - But a crazy story about Independent Records is right before I had moved to Las Vegas I had got a 7 inch white label of Daft Punk “One More Time” promo 9 months before it was ever released and that used to make a crowd go crazy and no one could get it or had any idea who it was - it was my banger and that was thanks to Independent Records. I probably owe them rent for the amount of time I was in that place throughout my life.
Dj Chris Diablo https://www.beindependent.com | https://www.instagram.com/indyrecords/
Victoria
Jimenez Vega FASHION MODEL Photo by BRANDON LAMAR @brandonlamarphotography
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Photo by RICK JIRON @rick_jiron_photography
Photo by BRANDON LAMAR @brandlamarphotography Victoria “Vickie” Jimenez Vega is a New Mexico-based influencer and fashion model specializing in commercial and character-themed modeling. New Mexico is known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes. How does your Latin heritage and the state’s unique environment influence your work as a model? My father is from Mexico, so in honor of his heritage and my upbringing, as a first generation Mexican American I often incorporate our Mexican culture into my modeling. My Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) concepts is one such example. It is important to embrace our roots and honor our ancestors, and since New Mexico is so rich in Spanish and Mexican tradition it is easy to incorporate the Mexican aesthetic into my concepts and art. As a proud New Mexican I enjoy choosing locations that will help bring those concepts to life, as well as showcase the beauty of our state.
“ I think representation is everything and I would love to see the fashion industry embracing all body types as well as models from all ethnic backgrounds.” –Victoria Jimemez Vega Fashion Model As a model, you often express various emotions and moods. Can you share a memorable experience where you felt a strong connection to the concept or theme of a photoshoot or runway show? A few years ago, I had the honor to collaborate on a Frida Kahlo themed photoshoot. I felt a connection and was particularly honored as well, because I have a deep admiration of Frida, who was also a female artist of Mexican descent, and who also was often her own subject in her art. For me being able to portray Frida felt like such an honor, because her art and her life has always been such an inspiration to me. Modeling often involves working with diverse teams of photographers, makeup artists, and stylists. How do you collaborate and communicate effectively to bring a vision to life? Collaborating with others can be very rewarding as well as very challenging. Often times it requires a lot of strategizing prior
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to the shoot, or also just knowing who has the mastery or the style to execute a certain look, concept, or style. Sometimes, there’s no pre-planning and the talent all just falls into place and a wonderfully unplanned work of art just happens. Can you describe a modeling project or campaign that you’re particularly proud of, and what message or story did it convey? Last year’s Day of the Dead concept which was featured in Loud&Clear Magazine is a shoot I’m proud of. It was my first Day of the Dead shoot I did honoring my mother. My goal was to create a concept that would capture her essence and honor her memory. My mother was such a vibrant colorful person in life, so every element I incorporated into the concept was intentional. My mother was native New Mexican, so the aesthetic was very New Mexican, we shot it in Old Town. I really struggled after her passing, she was my very best friend in life, so I knew I needed to create something that embodied her spirit as well as showed how much she meant to me.
Photos by Cameron Hunter @hunter3_6_3
New Mexico has a thriving artistic and cultural scene. How do you draw inspiration from local art and traditions when preparing for your modeling assignments? There is sooo much inspiration everywhere! And that also includes inspiration from my peers! There are soo many talented models, musicians, photographers and actors in New Mexico! Sometimes I find inspiration in work I see from local artists, events and even certain locations. I’ll just see something and that creativity starts flowing and the seed is planted and I’ll start developing my next concept. Many people look up to models as role models. In what ways do you aim to be a positive role model for aspiring models, especially those of Latin heritage? The Latin culture, particularly Mexican culture can be very conservative. So, I aim to encourage other Latina models to stay true to their culture and values, but also true to themselves and to always remember to bring honor to our heritage. Know when to push boundaries, but know when to respect yourself.
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What challenges have you faced in the modeling industry, and how have you overcome them to achieve success in a competitive field like fashion? Being that I’m a more curvy Latina, when I was first starting to submit myself to projects, I sometimes felt rejected and would notice some photographers would overlook me and choose models who were more slender. I think the most important thing I learned was self-love and knowing that other women with my body type were probably struggling with similar self image issues. The most important thing became not giving up and putting myself out there. There are a lot of stigmas that you have to be tall to model, or be slender, but the truth is fashion and modeling need that representation of all body types. I think believing in myself and remaining determined and confident helped me to overcome my own self doubt and also drove me to succeed in the fashion industry. Fashion and beauty standards are constantly evolving. How do you maintain your authenticity while adapting to changing industry trends and ideals? I remain authentic by incorporating industry trends into my own look. As an artist, I consider myself the canvas and fashion and beauty trends enhance that canvas. But, I remember to stay true to who I am underneath it all. Basically I ask myself, “how will I make this new trend my own?” New Mexico’s landscapes offers a unique backdrop for photoshoots. Can you share your favorite outdoor modeling experience in the state and what made it special? I once shot a mermaid concept in Jemez with my close business partner and fellow model Brenna Caristo. I just remember there was this beautiful waterfall we wanted to shoot at, but it required climbing down the side of a steep drop. I struggle with heights, so I took one look down and said “Nope”. With the encouragement of our photographers that came along and encouragement from Brenna I very carefully scaled down the
Photo by Rick Jiron @rick_jiron_photography L to R: Brenna Caristo and Vickie Vega
side of the wall and the shoot turned out beautiful! Without their encouragement, we wouldn’t have captured such lovely images that were later published. Your presence in the modeling industry is helping to redefine beauty standards. What changes or improvements would you like to see in the fashion industry regarding inclusivity and representation of diverse backgrounds? As I said before, I think representation is everything and I would love to see the fashion industry embracing all body types as well as models from all ethnic backgrounds. Can you share your insights on the importance of networking and building connections within the modeling community? It is sooo important to network and make connections within our artistic community. You never know who you might meet, what opportunities could present themselves and how you might meet that perfect person for any certain project, or who can recommend you for a project. Are you currently associated with any brands, and if not, which brands would you like to be involved with in the future? I am currently not affiliated with any brands at the moment. I really don’t have a goal to work with any specific brand, I just hope to continue to collaborate with aspiring New Mexican brands, artists and designers. It truly is a personal goal of mine to put New Mexico on the map for it’s talent so any opportunity to help my peers shine and get us exposure is important to me. Can you share any advice for aspiring models looking to succeed in the competitive world of entertainment, drawing from your own journey and experiences? My advice to aspiring models or talent is to never give up, believe in themselves and to remain relentless in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations. It honestly just takes that one opportunity to get someone discovered and change their life forever and we never know just how close to achieving that reality we are. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing a career that demands a hectic schedule? I’ve been able to maintain a healthy work-life balance by remembering to take time to do the things I love, and surround Are you currently associated with any brands, and if not, which brands would you like to be involved with in the future? I am currently not affiliated with any brands at the moment. I really don’t have a goal to work with any specific brand, I just hope to continue to collaborate with aspiring New Mexican brands, artists and designers. It truly is a personal goal of mine to put New Mexico on the map for it’s talent so any opportunity to help my peers shine and get us exposure is important to me. Top and Bottom Photos by Taylor / Elle Grey @ellejgrey
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Can you share any advice for aspiring models looking to succeed in the competitive world of entertainment, drawing from your own journey and experiences? My advice to aspiring models or talent is to never give up, believe in themselves and to remain relentless in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations. It honestly just takes that one opportunity to get someone discovered and change their life forever and we never know just how close to achieving that reality we are. myself with positive people who support my hobbies and my aspirations. I make sure to make time to create art, but also to rest and unwind. A little off subject… but I feel that music can often play a big role in our lives. What 5 albums or artists have made you who you are today? Ummm... I have way too many favorite albums, but top 5 artists: Carlos Santana, Bob Marley, Selena, Lauren Hill, and Amy Winehouse. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Something else I’d like to share is I’m an aspiring screen writer and I’m hoping to make strides in the coming year with some projects I’ve been working on for a while. So, there’s a hopeful future I’m working on in filmmaking. I also have an interest in fashion design and developing a clothing line inspired by my mother’s style from her younger years. Fans-to-be can follow Victoria “Vickie: Jimenez Vega at: https://www.instagram.com/vickie_vega/
Top Left Photo by Dave Dell @knightspirit Bottom Left Photo by Philip Wiley @gringosuavephotography Bottom Right Photo by Cory M @corythephotographer_
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Vickie new mexico
VICTORIA JIMENEZ VEGA @vickie_vega // RICK JIRON @rick_jiron_photography 31
TATTOO ARTIST @cassatrash
PHOTO BY JUSTIN JACKRABBIT @blackjackrabbit_studio.llc
3500 San Mateo Blvd NE Albuquerque, New Mexico
THE SCHOFIELDS
INDIE SPOTLIGHT THE SCHOFIELDS booking@schofieldsband.com www.schofieldsband.com Firmly rooted to the high plains of the Rocky Mountains, The Schofields are at home in your neighborhood dive and the roadhouse honkytonk. Their blue-collar songwriting reflects the grit, heartbreak and humor of the common experience. Their Americana roots take a swing at a more traditional country sound with a rock-solid rhythm section, heartfelt harmonies and wailing pedal steel. These boys will always keep you out drinkin’ and dancin’ past last call. !New Music Alert! The Schofields debut album “Centennial State Blues” will be releasing on Vinyl this November. We have worked very hard and almost too lomg to get this record released 100% DIY. We will also be releasing a few tracks online all internet radio platforms prior to the release. First off is the title track of the record featuring our good friend Randall Conrad Olinger (https://www.instagram.com/ rcoswamp/) on slide guitar. He recorded the track for us during the Covid shutdown, all the way from Austin Texas. He added his self proclaimed Swamp sounds that gave this Murder Ballad a whole other dimension. If you haven’t listened to RCO, we would strongly suggest doing so. Pre-save to listen by clicking the track below. And let us know what you think. #distrokid #schofieldsband #colorado https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ theschofields/centennial-state-bluesfeat-randall-conrad-olinger?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email+&utm_source=SendGrid
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Model
FEATURES DAISY TAPIA @daisyluutapia // LUX PHOTOZ 806 @luxphotoz806 35
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Kristy new mexico
KRISTY GRONSETH @kristysilver70 // ROBERT J. MARTIN @rjm505 37
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Daisy
northwest texas DAISY TAPIA @daisyluutapia // LUX PHOTOZ 806 @luxphotoz806 39
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Evelina west texas
EVELINA @_evelyn_1111 // DOUG MUNGAVIN @dougmungavinphotography
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Jazell Rose new mexico
JAZELL ROSE @jazellrose_ // JONATHAN WOODEN @jzw_photo
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Celina west texas
CELINA HAIDU @celinas_915 // DOUG MUNGAVIN @dougmungavinphotography 45
Elysé
@elysemusic // elyse-music.com Elysé is an artist + singer-songwriter known for her low, sultry vocals, and her soulful guitar licks.
Miri boHEME
@miri.boheme www.miriboheme.etzy.com Photo by Beth McCormack
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Follow Author Russ Ray
@eat.travel.type.colorado
Once Upon A Time by Author Russ Ray
There is a scene from “Pandora’s Box” (Pandora’nın Kutusu a 2008 Turkish movie), in which an old woman shares a sandwich with a young man. I have held a vivid memory for decades similar to this scene. I was an 18-year-old soldier and traveling alone by train from my barracks in Zehlendorf, West Berlin to a training camp in Bad Tolz just south of Munich. About a third of the trip was through communist East Germany, behind the Iron Curtain, and passing through two armed Russian checkpoints. I was new to the Army, new to Europe, and was ill-prepared for the trip. I brought no food with me and carried little money. I had just enough to buy a candy bar at one of the two transfer stations. I remember sitting alone on a bench at the second train transfer station in an open-air courtyard. It had been a long day. I was hungry. Sitting alone directly across from me was a lady in her late 70s, perhaps early 80s. She was wearing a thick woolen overcoat and a colorful head scarf.
By now, it was past dinner time. I watched as she reached into a white cotton sack and pulled out a sandwich wrapped in wax paper. As she unwrapped it, she saw me watching her. A warm smile appeared on her face. She must have been a mother and a grandmother because she instantly recognized the look of a hungry teenager. She held up her sandwich with a broad smile on her face. She walked across the cobblestones and handed it to me. I smiled back and nodded as our hands met and I took the sandwich. Neither of us spoke. I knew no German and she must not have spoken English, although I’m sure she recognized my American uniform. Maybe she lost her husband, or a brother, or her childhood home to Allied bombs during the war. Much of her country had been destroyed. If she did suffer a loss, all seemed to be forgiven. She was now feeding a boy whose parents were once her enemies and who suffered equally. If only our world were as kind as that old woman I met once upon a time.
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True Admiration by Author Russ Ray
As I was finishing up my meal in a cafe in Sterling, a family of four came in and were seated close to me. One of their sons looked to be about fourteen. He was in a motorized chair. He was nonverbal and seemed to have little control over his hands and arms. The family ordered and were soon served their food. The boy did his best to feed himself, but it was mostly a disaster. What little food he could get onto his spoon he could barely get into his mouth. Each time he tried, he failed. I watched them not caring if they noticed me. I was mesmerized by how the father encouraged his helpless boy to help himself. The father never seemed frustrated. He had patience. I asked my waitress for a scrap of paper and a pen. I sat for a few moments before I wrote the father a note. I folded the paper in half and got up to leave. The other young son watched me slide the note next to his father. He looked at me with a curious expression, then he looked at his dad. I said to his father, “This is for you.” After I got into my car I sat with my keys in my hand. Everything I saw with that father made me question who I was as a father. Was I kind? Did I love my sons unconditionally? Although the boy was of no real help at feeding himself, he and his father were in it together. It was a beautifully choreographed dance where the son would try, fail, and wait a moment for his father to help him. I knew there would come a time when the father would grow frail and couldn’t take care of himself or his special needs son. I put that thought out of my head. I had only seen them together for one meal, but I could never imagine them apart.
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“I admire you. If I were only half the father you are.” –Author Russ Ray
I took inventory of my life. I wasn’t prepared to be a father. Two sons, two mothers, single father. How was I possibly going to make this work? My job sometimes brought unbearable stress into my life. I felt tears on my face. I wanted to go home and ask my sons for forgiveness. The note simply said, “I admire you. If I were only half the father you are.”
BaiLey ELora https://linktr.ee/baileyelora FB: @baileyeloramusic // IG: @baileyelora Photo by Rodney J. Ortega @eriksbrother
