[Leica] SWMBO 1949-2012

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (tedgrant at shaw.ca)]

SWMBO 1949-2012

My 21st birthday 1950 and standing before me was my beautiful blonde blue 
eyed wife of seven months. A big smile on her face and two boxes in her 
hands.



"Happy Birthday Dear" she offered as she handed me the boxes.



I carefully opened the first, a box about the size of a two layer cake and 
surprise of surprises a camera! Something I had wanted since I was a little 
kid. An ARGUS A2 35mm black beauty, so I thought. Still have it to this day! 
Opened the smaller and it was a roll of KODAK Super XX 36 exposure film.



May 27 1950 and a new world began beyond my wildest dreams. A life career 
beyond ones imagination. Thousands upon thousands of miles about our planet 
and adventures to dream of in far off locations with cameras about my neck 
and shoulders.



SWMBO, a photo editor who never allowed nor accepted an excuse for sloppy 
camera handling nor missing the right moment. Who bluntly told me.. "The 
great baseball player Yogi Berra said. "YOU CAN'T THINK AND BAT!   And 
neither can you think and shoot!"



She gave such incredible encouragement and praise when "You did good!" Then 
smiled and gave me a kiss. And for our 62 years that was the photo life of 
this family. Praise when you deserved it and a tongue lashing when you 
screwed-up!



Unfortunately as of today my beautiful blonde, blue eyed SWMBO photo editor 
is no longer here to cheer me on nor berate as the case maybe.



Photography will never be the same.



Good night.