Leaving and Waving — Donna Hopkins

I am deeply moved by Deanna Dikeman’s project, Leaving and Waving. Deanna took a small gesture of love, a simple family tradition, recognized it for the work of art it was, and then proceeded to document it for all her worth. Every photograph in her project resonates with my own experience as the parent of adult children. Waving good-bye after they visit is our tradition, too. And always, that goodbye is bittersweet. So proud of the men they have become while still holding tight to the little boys they once were. Deeply happy to see them, to hug them, to witness their lives. Willing to let them go. Knowing this is the right thing to do. Looking forward to their next visit before they even make it to the highway toward their own homes.