On Wednesday, November 3, My oldest brother and I went on a photo journey together to Blackwater National Wildlife Reserve in Cambridge, Maryland. This date and location was significant because…

…just one year ago on November 3, with the start of chemo looming on November 4, my husband wanted to visit this wildlife refuge again and have our own photo outing using the great DLSR camera he bought for me with the thought that I would use it to renew my passion for photography. He always was thinking of what I would enjoy and have something to do in the next chapter of my life… not knowing he would die just two months later.

Knowing November 3 would potentially be a grief trigger, my brother was by my side, being the loving and supportive brother he has always been to me, especially this year.

I arrived at his house near Annapolis to pick him up rather early. I was eager to spend time with my brother who is a professional photographer. He has won a number of awards and prizes for his stunning landscape photography. I knew I would learn a lot throughout this day.

We loaded his camera equipment in my vehicle and took off. I drove us across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. In about 90 minutes, we arrived at our destination.

We stopped first at the Visitor’s Center, chatted with a Ranger, and got a map. Then we drove to the observation point where my husband posed for this poignant photo that I took of him last year. That wave — waving goodbye? — still haunts me today. I got rather mushy, and my brother understood, but didn’t quite know what to say. Just having him by my side was what I needed.

I drove along the scenic road within the Reserve, stopping at occasional pull-offs. My brother would enthusiastically get out his camera — exactly like mine — and show me visuals of what he thought would make an interesting photo. He advised where to look, but more importantly, what to see and how to frame the picture. (scroll down)My brother pointed out the interesting plant life in the marshes and bogs.

There was not much wildlife, but what we did see was quite a thrill.

We first saw a sole Great Blue Heron. The bird was fishing quite successfully. I thought this image was stunning because you can see the entire heron reflected in the water. (scroll down)We moved on to find a solitary egret standing silently in the reeds and tall grasses while grooming itself. (scroll down)I looked up, and just then a small flock of migrating geese flew by (scroll down)Seeing the geese brought to mind the story of “Onkor the Goose” within Michener’s book Chesapeake which was written about the people of these parts of Maryland.

As we continued, my brother saw a cormorant fishing and diving. There was no pull-off nearby, but no one was behind us. I stopped and rolled the window down on his side of my vehicle. He captured this stunning photo: (scroll down)Then to top it all off, we drove to a location where a park ranger at the Visitor’s Center said that we “might” see bald eagles.

My brother was quick to identify high-flying birds. “That’s a buzzard.” “No, that may be a vulture.” “Wait! By the way that bird is flying, it’s an Eagle!” Finding a safe place to park, we got out of the vehicle, looked up, and watched. A solitary majestic bald eagle was soaring high, then low, then around and around.

We kept watching, and as and I said, “wait… good things come to those who wait,” the eagle soared closer. Even overhead!

We watched this solitary bald eagle soar on the winds over the refuge. He/she seemed just to like soaring in the beautiful blue sky. We took probably over 200 photos each, spending about an hour at this site alone. (scroll down)Both of us were thrilled and happy that we found a bald eagle and captured it on our cameras.

Now it was about 1pm, and both of us were hungry. I had my GPS find us a seafood restaurant. We drove there — just about 9 miles away — and visited a great restaurant right on the water. My brother and I had not been to this part of Maryland before. We had a great lunch of lump crabcake sandwiches.

We began our return, and got back to my brother’s house without having to be slowed by traffic.

His wife prepared a great dinner, much like an early Thanksgiving. I loved catching up with her too and enjoying her cooking.

Most of all — the precious value of my Big Brother’s time, guidance, and ongoing support was perfect. Just perfect. I had a great time and loved every minute.

Life is short: nothing like being “Grasshopper” to a pro, who has loved you all your life. I am so very blessed to have a large and loving family.