Back to school
Six weeks ago, I walked into hospital and handed over a hip that had carried me for nearly sixty years.
Since then, I have thought a great deal about bodies.
About what they endure.
What they compensate for.
And how astonishingly willing they are to begin again.
One hip went under the knife while the other quietly took on the extra work.
I learnt to walk again.
I massaged the scar.
I watched spring arrive.
Seedlings grew. Weavers built nests, tore them down and started again. My son began flying for a living. The puppy finally learnt to sit for her dinner.
And somewhere amongst all of that, I got stronger.
There is something extraordinary about an anterior hip replacement. But perhaps even more extraordinary is that instinct in us to get back up.
My shrink once said to me, “When you have finished crying, wipe away your tears, decide on the life you want and make it happen.”
So today, I am back to school.
Camera in hand.
Very grateful for the body that got me here.
And there is work to be done.
I have two months before 9 December, when Tit II joins Tit I.
Better get on with it.
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
© 2005–2026 Bridget Corke Photography
Blairgowrie · Johannesburg · South Africa
International Master's in Portrait Photography
One of only two in Africa.