top of page
Writer's pictureNeil Gordon

REACHING To HEAVEn

A TIMELESS GESTURE OF REMEMBRANCE AND CONNECTION



Since the dawn of civilization, humans have looked to the heavens, seeking connection, meaning, and the presence of the Almighty. Living under the vast expanse of the night sky, our ancestors saw the stars as windows into the divine, guiding their lives and beliefs. They built monuments and structures aligned with celestial bodies, creating sacred spaces that bridged the earthly and the divine. The act of reaching upward, arms extended towards the sky, symbolizes a profound awareness of the connection between heaven and earth.


My sons and I are part of this ancient tradition in these images. Samuel, pictured in the center, was unaware of the future ahead. However, his presence in the photo serves as a reminder of the eternal bond we share. Max replicated this gesture after his brother's passing, honoring his memory and our connection to something greater than ourselves.


For me, standing with my arms reaching towards the heavens is a profoundly spiritual act. It attempts to bridge the gap between the physical and the spiritual, to feel close to Samuel despite death's imposed distance. This gesture, echoed by my sons, symbolizes our shared grief, love, and hope. It acknowledges that our bond transcends time and space and that Samuel's spirit continues to be a guiding force in our lives.


Throughout history, the sky has been seen as the realm of the divine, the source of light, life, and mystery. Ancient cultures believed the gods resided in the heavens, watching over the earth and its inhabitants. They lifted their eyes and arms skyward to seek blessings, guidance, and a sense of connection to the Almighty. This timeless gesture is a testament to humanity's quest for understanding and unity with the cosmos.

This gesture takes on an even greater significance in the photograph's natural setting, surrounded by mountains and forests. The ancient and steadfast mountains symbolize stability and strength, while the forest represents the wisdom of the ages. The open sky, vast and infinite, offers a sense of boundless possibilities, making our gestures of reaching upward more than just physical acts; they become spiritual connections.

For me, reaching up is a way to keep Samuel close, honor his memory, and find solace in believing his eternal soul is still with me. It serves as a reminder that love never truly fades. This enduring connection becomes a part of me, guiding me, providing hope, and reinforcing our bonds.


These photographs are more than just images; they reflect a universal human experience. They capture the essence of our connection to the heavens and the earth, a connection that humans have recognized and honored for millennia. It reminds us that in moments of tremendous grief and loss, we can find comfort and strength in the timeless gestures that have connected us to the divine throughout history.


Standing with arms outstretched to the sky, I am reminded of the ancient traditions that have shaped our understanding of the world. I am reminded of the love that binds us, the memories that sustain us, and the hope that guides us. This simple yet profound gesture is my way of saying that Samuel is never truly gone. He is always with me, in my heart and soul, and through this ancient gesture, I find a sense of peace and connection that transcends time and space.

6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Komentáře


bottom of page