Everyone who enjoys my photography knows I capture a lot of images of the Amish in my area. This photo taken recently shows a dad and his boys heading down the road where the Nickel Mines Tragedy occurred in October of 2006. The tree in the middle is the spot the school once stood and now it is simply a field. The Amish do not erect memorials,so the spot does not draw unwanted attention. I personally remember that day very clearly as I was out taking photos in the countryside and remember how gorgeous a fall day it was and hearing sirens in the distance, and then later seeing the news about this tragic event. In today’s world we hear shocking things practically everyday on the news but this was especially heart wrenching as it was done to the most innocent in our local plain community. I often wonder if I ever captured those who were lost that day but I have no way to know,and even though Amish frown on images of themselves,many will accept a photograph to be kept private to themselves. If you ever want to read an inspiring story, read the book written by the wife of the man who did this. Her name is Marie Monville and her book is titled “one light still shines”.
Thanks Don…Not only for your photos but for your compassion of others…especially the Amish you seem to know the way the feel. You are truly a remarkable person and a photographer too.
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Love your photos Don. And I have read that book.. Extremely heartwarming. And having been in school when this occurred, we began implementing even safer ways to enter our school which house our precious children.
Thanks Sue. I remember the old days and even though i miss them,changes were needed for safety.
Beautiful image and words. I am going to check this book out. Thank you.
quite an ordeal she endured,yet is such an inspiration through how she handled it.