This is my first attempt at Photo editing. A very kind friend on RB offered a few pointers and this was the result. Alex is about 5 months old here and is among the last photos I have of him. I had intended to upload his photos in chronological order but I wanted to share this one now.

Taken with a Canon EOS 35D and the standard 18-55mm lens.

Alex became my reason to get out of bed in the morning. I had been medically discharged after 34yrs in the military and was unable to continue working. I lived for my work because I enjoyed it so much, I loved being able to teach students, look after their needs, help them with personal problems and to pass on the knowledge I had accumulated over the years. I was an instructor at the ADFSC (Australian Defence Force School of Catering). Almost every day was a 12hr day or more.

Suddenly being unable to work any more destroyed my life, I felt useless, I was just taking up space, and had no real reason to continue living.

Alex changed all that, he took me from the depths of suicidal depression and gave me a new lease on life…..I now had a reason to live, to get up in the morning and look after my friend. I now had someone to teach and care for. I could play “Dad” and Teacher all over again…..It did not take long before this interaction became an essential part of both our days.

In less than a week this little man did what councilors and psychiatrists had been trying to do for 3 years….To say Alex had an impact on my life would be a massive understatement.

Mon 06-July-09……Focus and Lighting