They'd accepted the possibility of it before I did.I tried to talk them out of it.
They felt as though it was coming.
I denied it.
Each of them had readied themselves for what they saw as inevitable.
I wouldn't accept it.
Today it happened.
But knowing it, didn't make it any easier.
Today we laid off two very good people from my photo staff. Jeff Malet, deputy photo editor, a fine photographer, videographer and longtime friend. And Eric Reed, an exceptionally thoughtful photojournalist, storyteller and another friend. I was humbled by the grace and dignity that each of them displayed in the face of such a horrible turn in their lives.
At the end of the day, I'd still not put away the photo equipment they'd turned in. I expected it to take on some anthropomorphic quality...perhaps explain what had just happened...perhaps explain why it happened to these two people...it never did. It just sat there. I finally put everything away. I wanted to be mad. But, I wasn't sure who to be mad at. In the end, I've decided placing blame, pointing fingers or throwing rocks will only serve to diminish the character and decorum that I witnessed today. Still, we add two more people, and their families, to the rolls of the unemployed.
Send good energy, prayers and wishes toward our friends.
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1 comment:
I'm glad you left all that stuff out yesterday. I think it had an impact on everyone who walked by.
Empty space eventually fades into the background, but you can't ignore a table full of camera equipment.
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