Week 67 | 2015

For my family.

Day 436 – November 16, 2015

I felt exhausted after my son had a stroke last Tuesday morning. After a dramatic day, we were so glad he improved some what and that some great medic staff took care of him.

Day 437 – November 17, 2015

It is all like living on automatic pilot, the days passes by at 100 km/h and I know that some day I’ll hit the wall.

Day 438 – November 18, 2015

I don’t really know why I photograph or take photographs on a daily basis, but somehow it helps me to keep my head above the water. I guess it helps me coping with the things that occur in my life.

Day 439 – November 19, 2015

He is such a champ, fighting to cope with the new deal. Just day four and already achieved to walk twice with support.

Day 440 – November 20, 2015

There may be some bends or dents on our path, but the only way is the way forward.

Day 441 – November 21, 2015

Maybe my thoughts jump up and down, but it is exactly how I feel now. Life feels upside down, but to be honest I have no idea on what side I am. All I, and my family, can think of and do is going straight ahead.

All expectations drastically changed after this week, but I find it intriguing how quickly you readjust. One day your son dreams of becoming a game developer, the other day he loses control of his left body, and the next day you celebrate every positive sign of recovery. Be it, raising his leg, lifting his hand, sitting in a wheelchair, and seeing himself in mirror. And we can, because we receive so much support and love from family, friends, and relatives.

We got so far in the past, we will win this one too.

All photographs by Wouter Brandsma

Week 66 | 2015

Day 431 – November 8, 2015

Day 432 – November 9, 2015

Day 433 – November 10, 2015

Day 434 – November 11, 2015

Day 435 – November 14, 2015

Our lives may be filled with sadness, joy, tears, or success. We may make failures, I sure do, and the situation we face may be miserable. We may seek a common identity, either through nationality, religion, or something else. In dispair people might even find solace in ideologies when no options for them seem available.

The thing is, we always have a few options. No matter what you think, or what others tell you. The best thing to do, is to stay curious and respect others. Keep asking questions and challenge yourself. Don’t take any answer or thought for the truth. When you hate others the death of innocent people will never be a solution, but only the beginning of even more problems. History is there to proof you wrong.

Find dignity through respect for your neighbors, no matter how different our lives may be. Punishment causes more punishment, aggression leads to more aggression. Like Roosevelt said: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Hatred will never succeed. After 4 years the youth returned to Utøya after Breivik’s killing. Beirut will always be a cosmopolitan city, no matter all the bloodshed the city and their people witnessed. European nations and xenophobes may demand closing their borders, but refugees will always seek shelter, protection and the perspective for a better life like refugees always have done so in the past. And Paris will always be the city of light, because their people will stay curious and be able to see the past and their future in perspective. Diversity is there not to be feared, but to be cherished. Because only diversity, in my opinion, is the solution.

Don’t question how the present and history could have bin, but what the future might bring to you and us.

All photographs by Wouter Brandsma

Week 65 | 2015

Day 427 – November 1, 2015

I had high hopes last week that I would be taking more photographs in week 65. It didn’t happen though. I can feel sorrow about it, but that is just the way it is. And I think that is also how I will (have to) deal with my photo a day project for now. Just take it the way it is. There are good days, and bad days.

Day 428 – November 3, 2015

And that mantra should, in my opinion, be applied to so much more, or at least I try do so. Or, I hope to do so. At least.

Day 429 – November 4, 2015

There is a lot to worry about and some things, especially family related, are really worth worrying about. My photography though? Not really. Not for now.

Day 430 – November 6, 2015

All photographs by Wouter Brandsma

Week 64 | 2015

Day 421 – October 24, 2015

Day 422 – October 26, 2015

Day 423 – October 27, 2015

Day 424 – October 28, 2015

Day 425 – October 30, 2015

Day 426 – October 31, 2015

Despite some serious fall back I got to take photographs on six days in week 64. Although the autumn colors are absolutely stunning now I’m kind of glad working in B&W again. And even better, I get a sense for strolling again. Really practicing stroll photography, well almost.

All photographs by Wouter Brandsma

Week 63 | 2015

Day 418 – October 17, 2015

Day 419 – October 20, 2015

Day 420 – October 23, 2015

Gradually my strolls become longer again and I’m gaining strength in my back and legs. I hope to be back to regular schedule soon.

All photographs by Wouter Brandsma