People Journal: A feeling of sadness and longing, That is not akin to pain, And resembles sorrow only. As the mist resembles rain.

Towards the end of January a friend of mine called to say he was doing some work for a lady who's husband had died on Christmas Eve. He had had a great interest in photography and she wondered if I wanted to buy any of his equipment as she wanted to get rid of everything.

I went along to meet her and after having coffee and cake, it was 10am after all! I had a look at the cameras etc that he had accumulated. A lovely and trusting lady, (although her daughter wasn't as trusting, she phoned three times during my first visit) I spent a few hours with her.

I returned again last week to obtain one of the cameras (OM-1) and after chatting for another couple of hours, including coffee and cake, always homemade, I asked if I could take some photographs of her for this assignment. She agreed and we arranged it for yesterday. During my second visit we came to realise that her daughter is married to the best friend of an ex-boyfriend of mine. Tis a small world.

The lady and her husband were incredibly active people, throughout their 40 odd year relationship they had been motorcyclists, gliders, rock climbers, sailor's and canoists. He was back on his bicycle within weeks of having a double hip replacement. It was whilst he was out on his afternoon walk that he had a fatal heartattack. He knew nothing about it which I think helps her. One does not want to think of your loved one dying alone and in pain.

Since his death she hasn't stopped, every time I go round or speak to my friend she is having work of some kind done. I hope that when everything is finished it doesn't hit her like a bolt.

Used my usual equipment,Canon 5D and trusty (touch wood) mamiya.