the sun in the storm

the sun in the storm, originally uploaded by jamesburden.

I’ve had a rough week – but relationships have got me through it.

You will have no doubt heard it said that social networking sites do not generate or perpetuate real relationships.

Yet through facebook I am back in touch with some of my oldest friends from whom I stupidly allowed myself to drift away. Some of these friends have provided some very special and timely encouragement this week.

And through flickr I have made new friendships that go far beyond simply admiring each others’ photos. And again I have been deeply encouraged by the comments from my flickr friends this week.

So this picture is dedicated to a number of people: Catherine, my wife (who I see every day) who is simply wonderful, knows me better than anyone and yet still loves me; to Annette Zeidman (who I’ve never met) – one of the best flickr friends there is and who shows that virtual friendships can be exceptionally real; to my sister, Esther Freeman (who I see most weeks), who is the very embodiment of gentle goodness; to my friend David Bray (who I haven’t seen for at least five years) who is wisdom and style; to my old friend Dawn Devonald (who I haven’t seen for at least thirteen years) who still cares enough about the friendship we had to provide humour and encouragement.

It doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the rest of you – you’ve no idea how much I do – I just wanted to highlight a few people who, through a few words or lines, have made my week better.

Thank you all for showing me something of the sun this week.