Had our final critique in Contemporary Photography today.  I presented my series on "The Blessing".

This is the last image in the series of eight photographs

The Blessing

This series of images is focused on an intimate experience of family and friends supporting someone going through chemotherapy.

First, the tiny orange cords were blessed by Ven. Boupha Thanyavong. He took one of the cords and waved it across the man's palm as he chanted a prayer and tied the cord in a knot around the man's  wrist. 

Everyone participated, first by offering support with their open hands, then, by tying more cords around the man's wrist. Finally, each of us tied one of the tiny cords around another person's wrist.  

In many cultures the act of knotting a cord or cloth is significant.  To knot is to bind together, to strengthen and hold.  We all left with a little reminder that we can be a support to each other and that we each have an important part to play in the lives of the people we love.