It was a real treat to be able to spend the day in the kitchen and over the grill while hosting my family. I haven't always been around during the holidays.
Dec. 25, 2001
I was working in southern Afghanistan. I was making some photographs at the Mirwise Hospital in Kandahar when a seriously injured Afghan youth was rushed into the meager ER. The doctors tried to save him, but they had nothing more than a saline IV and bandages to work with.
The young man died not long after arriving at the hospital. It was a very heavy scene.
I ended up leaving the hospital with the family as an invited guest as they prepared to bury their son. We returned to their small village outside Kandahar City where men began digging a grave.
The young man's body was prepared for burial before sundown.
The sun was setting and soon the light was gone. Several trucks were positioned to light the funeral ceremony. It was a surreal scene.
As the dust settled and the family returned to their homes, I left the scene and returned to the Noor Jahan Hotel and edited the images. It was tough to call my family later that evening and wish all of them a Merry Christmas.
I was a world away that year...
It was good to be home this year...
