Mother's Love is Boundless - Yilin

Author: Xiaoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: That day, as soon as I started work, a couple came to the photography studio. I could recognize them because the woman was so beautiful—I had captured their wedding photos two years ago, which became a classic work for the studio. They had brought me a great opportunity, specifically asking me to accompany them on a full trip to Yunnan to document their travel process. I thought, "They must have too much money to burn." For me, taking someone else's money to enjoy the beauty of mountains and rivers—what could be better? We set off. At the airport, they leaned against each other as if no one else was there. The woman said, "Why aren't you taking photos?" "Here too?" I asked. "Of course," she replied. "Except for prohibited areas, I must faithfully record their activities." So I set up the camera, and the woman in the viewfinder was still as beautiful as ever. We arrived at Kunming, then transferred to Dali—our itinerary was so tight we couldn’t breathe. They said they didn’t have much time. They embraced at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and held hands by Erhai Lake. When the man looked uncomfortable, the woman would play a trick to lighten the mood, and the camera faithfully recorded her tinkling laughter. Their happiness made me envious. We boarded the boat, and amidst the dance of Bai ethnic youth and girls, she danced joyfully too. On the way back, she seemed very tired and fell asleep in her husband’s arms. This time, the man didn’t daydream. He held her tightly, his lips gently touching her cheek. Through my lens, they froze like a sculpture. "Too beautiful," I thought at the time, considering what background music to use to complement the scene. When the boat docked, she woke up and looked slightly embarrassed. She told me this was where they had first met—she had come for a company’s order conference, and he was part of the event staff. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked. She smiled, "To give you some background for your post-production creativity." After returning from Yunnan, I sat in front of the editing machine, racking my brain to come up with a romantic title for their travel album. Most couples don’t spend such a great effort to return to their first love after marriage, and I had to live up to their romance.
"Hey, I called you. I’m really sorry," she said. "I’d like you to shoot one more scene." By the time I arrived, she was already dressed and looking beautiful. She sent her husband out, saying, "I need some quiet for this shoot." He had no choice but to take their baby girl with him. I fixed the camera on a tripod and turned on the lighting. "Ready?" she asked. "We can start," I said, and pressed the record button. She stared into the camera for a full minute without saying anything, then a smile spread across her face as she began speaking:
"Sweet daughter, today you’re two years old. Happy birthday!
Today you’re ten years old. Happy birthday!
Today you’re eighteen and turning into a beautiful young woman—older than your mom was at your age. Choose your partner carefully!
Today you’re getting married. You’re the most beautiful bride in the world!
Mom is very sick. I’m so sorry I can’t be here for you.
After the shock, I suddenly realized.
How I wish this was just an inappropriate idea—I could delete it and start over, giving her a second chance.
Facing these conversations that transcend time and death, my lens blurred.
P2-3"