I thought maybe this would bring a little sunshine into these rather dark days.. But why in the blue blazes would I title this “Ralph?” Back in the ‘90s Jo and I had memberships in several photography clubs in the Kansas City area (one of which I helped start.) One of the members was a most delightful gentleman named Ralph. In addition to being a wonderful photographer who enjoyed experimenting with all kinds of filters and special effects, he was just one of those guys you just enjoyed being around. I never saw the man when he didn’t have a smile on his face. If you were feeling down, 5 minutes with Ralph would have you smiling again. To make a long story a little shorter, towards the end of the 90s, his health made it more and more difficult to get involved in club activities (he was several years older than most of us in the club). Eventually he knew he would have to move to an assisted living facility. At one of the previous meetings, he had shown some photos he took of some lovely yellow flowers in his yard. Jo told him she just loved those flowers and asked what they were. He said he didn’t remember what they were called, but would try to find out. At one of the last meetings he attended, he handed us a grocery bag, and with a big grin on his face said, “I still don’t know what they are, but they’re yours.” The bag had a bunch of bulbs inside it. The bulbs now live in a galvanized wash tub on our front sidewalk. Every April, they announce the arrival of spring with brilliant yellow floral fireworks. Ralph has long since departed for the other side, but his legacy and smile lives on. These have never, ever failed to brighten those first warm April days. Ralph is still with us. And darkness continues to give way to light. Thanks for stopping by, and for all your wonderful comments and support! Rod's Blog Facebook Twitter Girls From T.N.A. Website Girls From T.N.A. Twitter Page DA My Behance Portfolio Art Station Discord