elephants and a true hero...

[chalkie7]

More than a little random, but my mind has been wandering back to Sri Lanka on and off for the last few weeks, so I decided to look through some of our snaps this morning. These are 2 that really pull at my heart-strings.

Difficult to explain why, but these beautiful creatures make me both sad and happy all at once...


Just a Taxi Driver? Nope...this guy is a true hero and someone I will never forget. Gerrard was our driver for 5 days and one of the most humble men I have ever encountered. Poor in the modern day meaning of the word, but oh so very rich in many other ways. His compassion for his fellow man, selflessness and strength of character are above and beyond anyone I have ever met before or since. You see, he was in Bentota a few years ago when the terrible Tsunami struck with such ferocity...wiping out so many lives. He was one of the lucky ones. Talking to someone who was actually there and survived it was incredible and so surreal. The stories he told us actually brought me to tears. After the Tsunami, this man actually gave up his job for 6 weeks and spent the time helping others wherever he could and was heavily involved in arranging for the bodies of foreign visitors to be re-united with their loved ones back home. Men, women, children. He doesn't look too special really, does he? It just goes to show you...

[Jill H]

great story and photos. I loved the elephants when we went to Africa and were amongst a family group. Awesome.
Your story about Gerrard goes to show there are heroes everywhere - even ourselves when we are put to the test we don't know what we can achieve. These are the true heroes - ordinary people doing wonderful things for others. TFS

[fstopMike]

Mark, I like both these shots, especially for the stories behind them. It's important for us to go back and find the things that bring out the emotions in us, so that we can create images to which others can relate. Well done.

[SusanH1970]

I love love LOVE the photo of the elephants! Such majestic creatures. Great portrait of Gerrard too, and a very touching story. Thanks so much for sharing these.

[Fred flyfisher]

Love the shots chalkie but, the story of Gerrard captivated me. This old world could use a lot more like him. TFS.

[chalkie7]

Thanks guys...appreciated as always.

[My Life is Pink]

Originally Posted by chalkie7

More than a little random, but my mind has been wandering back to Sri Lanka on and off for the last few weeks, so I decided to look through some of our snaps this morning. These are 2 that really pull at my heart-strings.

Difficult to explain why, but these beautiful creatures make me both sad and happy all at once...


Just a Taxi Driver? Nope...this guy is a true hero and someone I will never forget. Gerrard was our driver for 5 days and one of the most humble men I have ever encountered. Poor in the modern day meaning of the word, but oh so very rich in many other ways. His compassion for his fellow man, selflessness and strength of character are above and beyond anyone I have ever met before or since. You see, he was in Bentota a few years ago when the terrible Tsunami struck with such ferocity...wiping out so many lives. He was one of the lucky ones. Talking to someone who was actually there and survived it was incredible and so surreal. The stories he told us actually brought me to tears. After the Tsunami, this man actually gave up his job for 6 weeks and spent the time helping others wherever he could and was heavily involved in arranging for the bodies of foreign visitors to be re-united with their loved ones back home. Men, women, children. He doesn't look too special really, does he? It just goes to show you...

Oh! You just made me cry...but in a good way. I love these kind of stories and photographs.

[chalkie7]

Originally Posted by My Life is Pink

Oh! You just made me cry...but in a good way. I love these kind of stories and photographs.

Bless you! I could write pages and pages on this man and the things he went through..the things he saw and did. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read my post and comment.

[jakethepig]

I love the elephant shot Chalkie especially how the elephants enter from the corner, so great composition and. So nice to add the picture of Gerrard too and a very moving story. Thank you for sharing with us.

Dave.

[Angelb]

What an amazing experience that must have been to see all those elephants , such powerful beauties. Gerrard sounds like a very special man, it is nice that you honoured him here with a beautiful but sad story.