From 1991 to 2017, photographer Deanna Dikeman captured something we know well—saying goodbye to loved ones. She took photos of her parents standing in their driveway for almost 3 decades, waving as she left. These photos, taken in Sioux City, Iowa, tell a story of love, connection, and the meaning of farewell. At first, the snapshots were casual, but they soon became meaningful as they captured her parents growing older—their smiles softening, their waves gentler.
Deanna continued taking these photos until her parents were no longer there to wave goodbye. This series highlights the importance of everyday moments—the warmth of a smile and the love in a wave. These gestures remind us to cherish goodbyes as they carry a lifetime of love.
What can we learn from this? Cherish the routine. Value the small moments. Even the most ordinary goodbyes can hold the most extraordinary love. Think about your own life. Are there moments you might be overlooking that mean more than you realize?
Sources
ABC News. (2024, November 15). Daughter captures lifetime of goodbyes from parents through photographs [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOwRSlBLPdM
Dikeman, D. (2001). Leaving and waving [Photograph]. Deanna Dikeman Photography. https://deannadikeman.com/leaving-and-waving
