Portrait of Steven (RIP)

Some 4 months ago Steven came to the hospice where I work as a cook-volunteer.

During the past 4 months he stole all our hearts with his love and attention, his joy, his engaged conversations with other guests, volunteers and professionals at the hospice. He told us great stories about his rather exceptional career in the aviation industry, his beloved husband who passed away a couple of years ago and his life in general.
In the last weeks of his life he went out to meet and say farewell to friends and relatives, he went on a boat trip, he attended a last concert in the Royal Concert Building in Amsterdam, on a stretcher, driven by ambulance.
He loved good food: it was always a pleasure to prepare dinner for him. I had the privilege of preparing his last evening dinner, with good company end lively conversations.
He stayed in control until his very last day, making conscious decisions when, where and how he wanted to end his life.

I took this portrait after dinner on his last evening, knowing it was the last time we met. Steven explicitly granted me permission to share this photo.
It's grainy and unsharp since light was vey dim.... but I don't care. The print is 20x24" (50x60cm), Ilford MGFBWT glossy in a 70x90cm frame.

Thanks for sharing. That is a powerful image and story.

That's a great story. I should think we could all hope to have the courage and love of life as your friend Steven. Your wonderful photo let's me feel as if I know him. Thanks.