Ralph by RodS
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Description
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!
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Comments (45)
goldie
Heartwarming story that did bring a smile to my face, Rod...the flowers are beautiful... I'm sure you know what they are by now, but just in case you don't, they are iris...gorgeous, yellow iris...
Madbat
We shall dub them Yellow Ralph Iris! Works for me!
Faemike55
this is a beautiful and moving story about these flowers. Thank you for sharing it and them with us.
fireangel
Ralph's irises! A lovely story that brought a smile to my face. Some people are among the worst things that inhabit the Earth, others are like Ralph, proof that humanity is not entirely a waste of resources!
TwiztidKidd
Wow, Rod!! What an amazing shot! The colors are beautiful and the focus is brilliant. Well done, sir!
STEVIEUKWONDER
God will take care of Ralph, you can be sure of that! What a lovely way to discover the beauty of those lovely flowers! So lovely Rob! Stay safe kind, Sir!.... Not forgetting your good Lady!
PhthaloBlue
Beautiful photo and very touching story!
g1tip
Great photo and great story !!!
RodS
We did finally figure out these are irises (botany was never one of my areas of expertise LOL); not sure which sub-species, but Yellow Ralph Iris works just fine for me! 👍😆
Desgar
Certain that Ralph is smiling big from above every time the irises bloom. Great story, Rod. We need such uplifting stories now, because the Dark Side is trying really, really hard to win.
calico_jester
Our memories and sentiments are who we are.
Your articulate revelations, with this photograph of Ralph's flowers, are an excellent expression.
OmniFX
Excellent photo and heartwarming story, thanks for sharing.
MagikUnicorn
Lovely
eekdog
sorry about your friend Ralf, was my dear grandfathers name also. he died of emphysema. he smoked a lot like me. maybe I should learn something there. beautiful photo of thee great yellow irises . take care you and dear Jo.
bakapo
A heartwarming story about Ralph. The yellow colors are just as heartwarming. May these pretty yellow iris always bloom for you.
tetrasnake Online Now!
Very Lovely!
donnena
Hello, Ralph! Happy to meet you!
Diemamker
A very moving story!...
wscottart
If I'm not mistaken those bulbs will just keep on keeping on, and will need to be thinned out and shared to keep the story going. =)
Richardphotos
never met you yet, but from reading your comments here, I would surmise that you are very much like him. always bringing a smile.
I love the rush of color
mtdana
Wonderful capture of spring!!!
versluis
Such a nice story, Rod. Thank you for sharing. Through doing so, Ralph and his positive attitude survive - along with his mystery flowers (it’s all connected). 😍
Radar_rad-dude
Such beautiful blossoms! And what a moving and touching story, Rod! Thanks for sharing!
Saby55
Excellent photo and wonderful flower. 👍🖐
starship64
What a wonderful story! And beautiful flowers too.
AureliusdeMercoeur
An excellent picture and a moving story ! Yellow irises are like pieces of sun...
adrie
Very beautiful picture of the Yellow irises, and such a moving story Rod.
UteBigSmile
Your newest capture is a very beautiful & uplifting one dear Rod, have another great day, stay vigilant and healthy!
Rtesian
A wonderfully written and very sentimental story that accomplished its intent. We met Ralph. Thank you, Rod, and may I add his best traits certainly rubbed off on you. :-)
anahata.c
oh, great upload, and love your story. (Like I say, you can share memories anytime!) First off, I didn't know Jo was a photographer! (I think that's great!) Second, it's great, isn't it, when someone in a group just picks the group up and brings light every time (ie, Ralph). I'd imagine you're one of those people too (you are here, for sure). Loving story about Ralph. And I love that he gave you these flowers because you 2 loved them so, and now they're on your front sidewalk. The central flower here is shining and has beautiful texture; and the leaves are light-tinged dancers surrounding it all. The background flowers are like quiet flames. Beautiful capture of these irises, with a touching story. Grazie, Signore! And I wouldn't have known "iris" myself, as my botanical knowledge is, trust me, much worse than yours. (There are people here who know every damned flower in existence, and really, I just wanna scream, "how'd you LEARN all that???" I know "petal," "stamen," and "bud". I know an occasional "stalk," and I'm pretty fast about "soil". And I mean, I drew flowers---which I found impossible---but still didn't know what they were. So you're doing a lot better than I am...) Thanks for another shining pick-me-up for everyone. You're holding up the fort for all of us!