gabriel's return

*kiss*
goodnight sweet Gabriel

my good.

oh my goodness...

Beautiful!

he looks like an angel--probably one of the most beautiful faces i've ever seen.

I wish I could have loved him.

(gabriel six months earlier, san francisco, 4/24/06)

...it's 12:31 pm. march 2. 2007.
it's hard to breath sometimes as the pulse races. or do i just forget to?
the subject line reads "on the road boy"
"i know the boy... he never made it through the year"

...it's 5:59 pm. april 24. 2006. should it be this cold?
he's sitting on the corner. like it's his. he's panhandling.
waiting for a friend to bring back food.
i sit beside him.

as people pass, he's always noticed. some stop. some continue.
we talk about the road. about home. about life. about girls.
he's gentler than you'd think. more interested in things you say. and he cares more too.

he's not sure what's next; but says now's good.
his friend returns.

...it's october 17. 2006.
it's his gun.
it's his choice.
farewell.

gabriel joshua wolrab, may 3, 1985 - october 17, 2006.

for his mother, his sisters, his brothers, his friends.

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(original: on the road)

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Comments

< Prev 1 2 3 Next >

(260 comments)

.tyler. - Claudio Martella says:

goodbye
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

KewlGrrl says:

I'm so sorry to hear about Gabriel, my prayers are with his family and friends............k :)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Vickykc says:

Wordless again, as usual... Amazing, though.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

chris nutt says:

Once again I'm drawn to tears. This is absolutely heartbreaking. My deepest condolences.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Dodi Dudás says:

Awsome as usual !

(1-2-3)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

MoMaStalker [deleted] says:

:(
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

SuperKarmen says:

Incredible

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Seen in 1-2-3 (?)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

[] bichito [] says:

It's always a pleasure (maybe a raw pleasure) to see your photos again.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Ariel.. says:

the details are amazing! awesome!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Letincelle says:

May his Soul rest in Peace.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Sandi Marie says:

This breaks my heart :(

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Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

KMAIR* says:

▄
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

pîetbe [deleted] says:

oh no.
i love you for putting this here again and telling gabriels story!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

a.rud.beth says:

rest in peace, gabriel !
i admire your photos and what you do.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

unintelligiBill says:

As always your commentary is as powerful as your images, my prayers to his family and loved ones. It is such a tragedy to lose someone so young !
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

~btezra~ [deleted] says:

OMG

so sad
a beautiful memorial to Gabriel
I appreciate your compassion Tom
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

PelayoLacazette says:

Superb portrait.

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Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

usamabhatti says:

heart breaking

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Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Anna Pagnacco says:

Great portrait and tribute!! Anna
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

.marcel bianchi says:

so young... :/
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

nakota672 says:

My son...my child...my love...my loss
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

redhotjezebel says:

beautiful. so heartbreakingly sad.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

pfflyers1 says:

Riveting
Follow up with this mom
Go back some years
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

SteelePop [deleted] says:

excellent shot

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

harrymoon says:

no words. i'm glad you do
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

wd9hot says:

Such a tragic loss,
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

RainAtDawn says:

Wow.
R.I.P.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

adamjfstorey says:

R.I.P
a moment of brief happiness captured ad vitam aeturnam (for all time)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

QueenBee77 says:

:(((((
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Dale73 says:

this is so heartbreaking, such a tragic choice.... the personalities and hope you capture with your photos is incredible.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

original_ann says:

Makes me want to just scream NO. To make it not so. To assure through the power of my voice that bad times are temporary. That this too would have passed and a permanent solution is not in order here.

Just look at that human being.. his eyes, his youth.. the veiled smile. The ripples he's left in his wake far reaching... Bless him. Bless his family.

no. no. no.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

* WE * Ahmad & Graça says:

Great work as always Tom
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Baala says:

man, when is your book going to be edited? i think i'll buy dozens just to give it as present to everyone i know...
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

ArcherPhoto says:

Great pic. Sadness happens...
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

~BranchDesign says:

wow, this is so sad.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

AntonioArcos aka fotonstudio says:

another masterpiece, awsome portrait!!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Don Frodo says:

So sorry for the boy. He seems so nice.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

muskva says:

beautiful.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Annadriel says:

Strong photography...Splendid!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

ajr2309 says:

A soul broken; a life lost!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Mr. Kris says:

Thank you for telling his story. It is truly sad that it ended this way.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Amanda B._ says:

Is it strange that I feel relief for this kid? I dunno, I think sometimes saying goodbye is the most selfless thing we can do. There is often greater suffering in life than one person can manage.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

from minor to major says:

so sad. :(

beautiful portrait though. love his eyes and lips.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Cassie FX says:

A beautiful and touching tribute to Gabriel.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

leone. says:

why...>?
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

dariuszka says:

it touches me deeply .... excellent work
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

olivelife says:

so sad. i'm so sorry.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

shapeshift says:

great portrait as usual... 1-2-3.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Flutterbye_856 (Off More Than On) says:

Oh wow, so very sad indeed! So sorry!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

luckygirllefty says:

no words.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

lipstickgallery says:

You are a blue ribbon winner! Please add your amazing photo to
Blue Ribbon Photography (invite only images)
Please tag your photo BlueRibbonWinner
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Joy is a Joy says:

oh baby....

sigh.

he's beautiful.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

that girl from flashdance says:

life is just too hard sometimes
I hope he has found peace now
sweet eyed boy
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

pushkins says:

Poor Gabriel.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

cobaltbluetony says:

Some people didn't read the text; just commented on how good the shot was. Like so many people on the street, he is just a face to them.

I too might forget him a year from now. But as long as I can, I will keep Gabriel Joshua Wolrab's face in my mind, so I can have a bit more compassion than the average commuter, who breezes past these faces without realizing they're real people who live and die right there on the pavement.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

dlemieux says:

i'm so sorry to hear that....he had such an interesting beauty.......another lost soul...
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

cinnamon gurl says:

There is a weight pressing an ache into my chest now. Your portrait, your words, and the beautiful obit that cobaltbluetony so thoughtfully linked to have made such an impact on me, I wrote about it on my blog. Thought you might like to know; the post is at writeabouthere.blogspot.com/2007/03/looking-c losely.html.

I really admire the work you are doing. My deepest condolences to those who knew and loved Gabriel.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

ignacio_lpm says:

Que tristeza. Gracias Tomas.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

pearmax says:

Lo lamento. I'm sorry. Que descanse en paz.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

azli jamil - back in India again :-) says:

I know I've seen this face before.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Levan Kakabadze (tabu) says:

great portrait!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Hana_photographer says:

reaches inside....shakes you....slowly tho....
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Pablo Resoalbe_ Pvlx says:

clap clap about the return!!!!_
excelent (y)_
also like your words_
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Sebastian Torresi says:

Very great portrait!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Lanies POV says:

You are an incredible artist. You take photos of the souls on the streets, and show there souls in your captures.
I am glad that Flickr posted your photo on the front page so it could lead me to view what you are sharing with everyone
Appluase to your great eye
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

spikeblacklab says:

A handsome young man, a beautiful, expressive portrait. You have captured the sensitivity, the gentleness in his eyes... He does not have the hardened look of those homeless who have given up all hope and withdrawn from the harsh, uncaring world around them. The barest hint of a smile, the detached gaze as he drifts off from the present to some other thought or memory...

Between then and October 17, 2006 there must have been unbearable pain to crush the last light of hope in those eyes. So unnecessary, the loss of a young life that could have been full of promise. If only people took the time to care, and listen.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Out to Lunch says:

Street life in the richest country in the world. Always makes me uneasy.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

QueenBee77 says:

Street life in ANY country in the world...makes me uneasy, regardless of how rich they are.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Greg Hill says:

Gabriel, ,,,the angel, ,,,who am I to question his choice,,, Were all terminal,
I always get to reflect on MY choices, when I view your photo's,,,, Thanks
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Arif Siddiqui says:

Incredible picture !!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Photostudent says:

Beautiful picture, amazing eyes. I love the black and white, nice choice. Your writing about him though . . . was so sweet, so kind; it made me cry. I noticed he was only 21, which is so young . . . its kinda scary to me that people make those choices. Anyway, I'm really sorry about Gabriel because i lost my friend last june - she was just short of turning 14 and making it to high school.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

sunrisefoto [deleted] says:

Great character
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Ron Harmon says:

Man he was a good looking young man. I would think that he had everything to live for. Too bad life got to him. I feel sorry. You make him live on in your photo.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

nakota672 says:

As his mother......these words comfort and wound me both in the same instant. Waste Lake niye (my love to you all)
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

BillyGPhotography says:

May he rest in piece, Thank you for sharing his Image that so many past by, this is our gift to see what others forget or don't want to see, Gods Speed.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Hettie Koens says:

Thanks a lot for sharing, this is so impressive, shocking that he died, what a waste!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

spikeblacklab says:

Nakota672, I am so sorry for your loss and incredible pain... I wish you peace... I am sure he is in a place where his wounds have been healed, and he is smiling down on you. God bless...
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

io the mad cow says:

That's so sad... beautiful photo. Requiescat in pace.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Federico Erra says:

wow!
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

wally. says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called e p i c, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

-calexico says:

thank you for bringing gabriel (and many others) closer to us stoneth.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

chatallot says:

He will be remembered by this wonderful photograph of him.
Farewell Gabriel. God Bless.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

sinparpado says:

que retratos mas geniales !!! el detalle es exquisito
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Amsterdamned! says:

Incredible !
U are invited to post this superb portrait to The Flickr Portrait Gallery and to become a member !
www.flickr.com/groups/portrait-gallery
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Proggie says:

Your photo of Gabriel was one of the first I faved many months ago when I first got my account. At the time it realy moved me and i was hoping that
Gabriel would be able to get back on his feet. I'm so sad that he didn't make it.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

http://robertoballerini.ipernity.com says:

Magnificent portrait

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Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

mag.m says:

Touching story....
And such a great portrait.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Paradise Regained says:

respect, tom - and thanks
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

rumer.cri says:

superb work. and thank to remind. and thanks for this look.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

humphreyphotography says:

Your ability to admire, love, and encourage are just as admirable as your photographs. I hope Gabriel found the peace he was searching for.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

GrandmaSondra says:

life is a choice. a gift at first . It not all up to us which way we turn. Influenced by others along the way we catch ourselves, at times,just down on our choices. Many loose site of themselves along the way. It is not always for hopeless reason but sometimes a need to find peace among the struggle of life. May his soul be at peach with God.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

is a belle says:

beautiful.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

jewel75 says:

his struggle is over...beautiful work
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

Bruna Marchioro says:

"it's his gun.

it's his choice.

farewell."

heavy, hum

it's our choice, right, but still so sad...
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

pk69 says:

a beautifull portrait!!!

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Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

BeeS and StickS says:

he was so beautiful. how deeply sad. i hope he is finally at peace. his image will forever stay in my mind.
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

G Garibay says:

Lo que esta historia nos debería enseñar es: que puedo hacer yo por gentes como Gabriel, que acaban así por sentirse solos y/o abandonados. Porque de que se puede, se puede.
Lo que tu haces dandoles un sentido mas humano a los desprotegidos de la calle, no solo es loable sino admirable.
Saludos

What this history should teach us is: what can I do for people like Gabriel, that finish theirs lives this way because of felling alone and/or abandoned. How many lives could be saved? we don't know, but that something can be done it's a fact. What you are doing giving the homeless, a more kind, human treat not alone is commendable but admirable.
Saludos
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

{Lain} says:

I admire you for what you do. For explaining the world these stories.
There should be more photos of souls and less snapshots.

Truly amazing.

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Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

patisfaction ~ censored [deleted] says:

sorry 2 read this
RiP Gabriel
beautiful memorial
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

jolupaz says:

nice portarit... nice eyes
Posted 33 months ago. ( permalink )

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