Josh Miller
The above photo is of a former coworker of mine, Josh Miller. I met Josh when I worked for SAIC in South Carolina (August 2008 – Feb 2010). Sometimes Josh, Kevin, and I would go over to eat lunch in Riverfront Park and watch the cargo ships move up and down the river. We worked together on the same project. Josh was a web designer, Kevin and I, developers. However, he was just there temporarily. His dream, and what he talked about a lot, was to open his own business, a small cafe serving wine and coffee, displaying his own art as well as the art of others. He even had a name for it, How Art Thou, blending both his art as well as his firm Christian beliefs, cleverly, into the title.
Eventually, Josh turned in his notice and set about making his dream come true, and it did. They even turned a profit after about 6 months. The dream was a reality! Then, in March of 2012, tragedy struck. He was driving home one Sunday and had a head-on collision with another truck and died at the scene. It was quite shocking. He was only 33.
In a small world moment, when I was in Charleston this past weekend with Combat Chuck, we got to talking about things and I mentioned something about Josh. He knew Josh as well and told me about the business and wanted to take me over there to see it. We went in, I took my camera, but for some reason, just couldn’t seem to take it out of the bag. I was quiet. How Art Thou is a small, comfortable business, just like what he talked about. I had the opportunity to meet his father-in-law and chat with him about Josh for a bit. He told me that Josh had done the paint on the walls, built the wine rack, as well as other finishing touches around the place. There were ample paintings and photography on the wall by local artists, just like he wanted. It was quite amazing and uplifting to see what he had accomplished, that he didn’t give up on his dreams just to earn a paycheck.
After about 10 minutes, Chuck and left. I was feeling quite good and it was very nice to have met his father-in-law/business parter, and to step into the space that had been transformed from a dream into reality … the dream lives on!
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Wow, quite the tragedy…thanks for sharing the story about Josh.
Mark recently posted..Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – Sleeping Bear Dunes
Yes, it was, Mark – yet, on the other hand, I hope that I conveyed how uplifting it was to see his dream realized. Many folks never do that. He was an inspiration.
My theory as to why you could not take the camera out is you felt a sense of respect and reverance for this inspirational accomplishment. I feel it from reading about it. Being there must have been even more humbling but as you said quite uplifting. I thank you for sharing the story.
Your theory could have some merit, PQ. There certainly was a lot of that – respect and reverence.
Very touching….so sad, but also encouraging. There are dreams that comes to life. Thank you for sharing this, Paul.
Ove recently posted..Finally 2013
I was glad to share it, Ove. I’m glad that you found it encouraging.
Thanks for sharing such a touching story, Paul. I can certainly empathize with you leaving your camera in the bag.
John – Visual Notebook recently posted..2012 Review and Happy New Year 2013
John: On one side, I wanted to take a photo of it because I was so happy for him. On the other side, sometimes, the camera can stay in the bag. Perhaps next time that I go to Charleston, I’ll tarry a while, have a glass of wine, soak it in, and take a few photos.
A very touching and sad story, Paul. At least Josh got to see his dream given birth and start to flourish. So many never act and never even experience that much. I probably wouldn’t have taken photos either.
Earl recently posted..2012 Review – Camera Upgrades
Yes, Earl. That’s what I found so inspiring, that he did it. There was a whole lot more talk. He was a man of action. Inspirational.
Your presence and thoughts about Josh must have been very touching for his father-in-law. It’s nice to be remembered.
ken bello recently posted..hazy shade of winter
Yes. His father-in-law was all smiles when I told him that I knew and liked Josh. I had fond memories of some of our conversations.
A touching story Paul. I enjoy hearing stories of those who take the steps and fulfill dreams. Not so much the story in my life.
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