This weekend my friend was taken from me.
I had a dear friend staying with us for the weekend. He came to Calgary for a Photography Workshop. This Saturday when he never showed up for the set up the Photographer started Facebooking me frantically
I woke up to messages and my heart sank. I knew right then and there something horrible happened.
I flew out of my bed and ran to the front to look down at my front door. His shoes were there along with my Alienbees I lent him for the Workshop. I ran to the guest room and started to pound on the door. NOTHING.
I opened the door and my dear friend was in his bed. I went over and touched his shoulder trying to wake him and I knew the moment I touched his skin that he was gone. I ran to the main floor, opened the front door and dialed 911.
I was hysterical. I usually am calm, cool and collective during emergency situations but this one I knew he was already dead and there was NOTHING I could do to save my friend. The paramedics sat me down, calmed me and told me he died peacefully in his sleep.
It is crazy to think that less then 24hrs ago we were chatting about the workshop and I was going to model for him when he got home after the full day. Member RPG was my mentor, we did a few sets together and every summer I was blessed to be his assistant for the Oxford Stomp and Stampede Windup.
RPG taught me the ways of the big stage shows. I knew the etiquette because of him. I learned techniques they never taught you in school and RPG was my Photography Father. I could go to him with ANY question and he never hesitated to answer or keep his secrets to himself.
I met some amazing musicians because of him. Beck, Def Lep, Third Eye Blind, Theory of a Deadman, and the Wallflowers. Here is a photo that he took of me while I was at the Sound booth for Def Lep
RPG coming to Calgary was my highlight of every summer. I had so many laughs with him and it was amazing to kick back after a hard days work and chat about our passion for our art.
This weekend I was reminded yet again that life is too short. Live every day as if it was your last and TIL WE DIE
