Tom and Terriby Enid Farber – from her photography book, entitled, “Legends Who Have Passed Through My Lens”

I want so deeply to recall every fiber of this photo as it evokes one of my most loving moments in jazz photography. Because this dear soul, supported by a wife whose devotion equalled his own, was truly special, generous, and appreciative. I was on a strange short trip south, it was Christmas day, I was in the home of a friend’s dying father. I checked my messages from far away and heard the voice of this grateful man. He took the time on Christmas day to call and thank me for this photo that I sent to him and his newly minted wife, Terri. Terri and Tom had married, joined eternal forces, from his hospital bed, both knowing that they had precious little time to be man and wife after years of cohabiting as boyfriend and girlfriend. Tom wanted to honor this love and this woman before his inevitable demise and she took him to be her lawful wedded husband. Their love was enviable and I could only hope that one day I would find an iota of that devotion. But what I did find was a sweet and humble and beautiful musician with the decency to call me on a day that was meant for family and friends, to thank me for my small gift to him. I hated Tom’s death and could not find any justification for this one then or now. I wish for his legacy to grow with time.

ENID FARBER Fotography