Posted on March 19, 2019
by Russ Widstrand 
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Russ Widstrand “Missing Dad” 03/19/19
The image, subtle in its visual connundrum, was taken at Multnomah Falls in Oregon. What I like about it are the reflections of the nuclear family including Dad pushing a baby carriage, but in the “real” world he is missing. These silhouetted spectors strike me as reflective paradoxes – alternate timelines – things that could have been but were never manifested, as was my own fatherhood.
I had always liked the reflective repetition of the figures on the glossy tiles and had hoped to find a home for it someday. Today, the image has taken on a new meaning for me.
18 Comments for Missing Dad
Russ Widstrand
Robert, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I love this turn of phrase “…these very quiet realizations are all around me on a daily basis”. Well put.
Robert Nease
As usual Russ, your image is more than the sum of it’s parts…very well done.
Russ Widstrand
Thanks Robert. Nice to hear from you.
Nancy Townsend
Very impactful… Dennis was particularity moved since his dad passed when he was 7.
Russ Widstrand
Thanks Nancy.
Jim
Utterly superb on many levels Russ. An epic image of subtly.
Russ Widstrand
High praise. Many thanks Jim.
Steve Mason
Great shot Russ.
Russ Widstrand
Thanks Steve
Jeremy Green
Perplexing beautiful shot.
Russ Widstrand
Yes, it does require some time to take it in. Thanks
Bob Stevens
FANTASTIC Russ!!!
Russ Widstrand
All CAPS! Such high praise. Thanks
Jennifer Bishop
Knockout image!
Russ Widstrand
Thanks Jennifer
David B Moore
Never look back at regrets, always move forward. Great image or should I say images.
Russ Widstrand
No regrets. Have loved my career and life. Very fortunate. Thanks
My story is much like this one that rises off this photo, although I gained a wonderful Stepfather at age 12, and I do have a daughter, but have never experienced fatherhood, much due to circumstances, and choices of my own. Still, as in this photo, these very quiet realizations are all around me on a daily basis. I could see Russ’s piece on the cover of a poetry collection.