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SublimeBudd —
Understanding..
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Published: 2009-09-11 04:12:15 +0000 UTC; Views: 12532; Favourites: 380; Downloads: 72
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Description
March 31, 2010:thumb159072291:
Clay Fite
5 yrs old
He was severely burned in a gasoline explosion on Valentine's Day. Clay's being home schooled for kindergarten. But today, therapists from Parkland Hospital in Dallas came to answer students' questions. They explained that even though Clay may not look the same now, he's still the same Clay they knew before.
Here is Clay's blog [link]
Cole is a burn victim helping Clay
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please, please view the video [link]
which is mine as well..:thumb43231916:
real people with real stories
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see more of our work here..
VanD Photography
[link]
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Comments: 330
I want to punch the women in front of him. She shouldn't look at him like that.
He's so brave. No kid should have to go through that.
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just a bad moment for her. she is actually very nice and helps him often
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What a brave boy.
I want to punch the woman in front of him, though.
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thank you for lookin
im sure she cares a lot more than it leads on
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Aww. I saw this photo on a feature. I don't know if this was intended, but I see this photo telling the story of a frightened young boy finally brave enough to take the first step back into the world. The behind the back "following" of the photo shows this. Very nice.
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exactly what i was gettin
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That's awful. No child should have to go through such thing. I hope he gets better and no one points a finget to him. I'm glad he's being helped 
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The child himself is not what interested me here. Being able to pick out the faces of the other children in their raw forms from fear all the way to contempt. This picture is deep on many levels but the faces are what gets me.
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i think thats what made it hit home for me as well
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Yea, It's very rare that you have a situation that brings out so much feeling, and then to be able to catch it. This is a remarkable piece.
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thanks a million
this was one of the most unique and moving stories i have went on
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i know this is supposed to be touching, but i just cant get over the look on the female teachers face. it destroys the whole image for me. it's like she's trying not to be horrified or something. also, all the little kids trying not to look at Clay doesn't help. instead of feeling welcoming and heart warming this shot just evokes a feeling of dread.
it physically hurts in my chest to look at this picture. i feel bad that i feel this way, but i just do.
who are those people to his left? are they his family?
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yes they are his family
my feelings are hard to describe towards her face
it can be found talking through everyone on here though
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Congratulations on your DD Jake, really well deserved. A very powerful image indeed!
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Congratulations with your DD for this terrific image! I like it how you chose the guy's own perspective for your shot.
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thanks 
and turned out best
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Amazing!
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CONGRATULATIONS! very happy to see this particular piece win such accolades.
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Man he certainly is a trooper. Are you the videographer for the news stories?
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yes sir
this story in particular was a really nice one i did
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Oh I'm sure, it was a well put together news story. I took a broadcast journalism class in college 2 years ago. I'll say one little brag, only a friend of mine and myself were the only 2 people of the class of 11 who put together a news pack every week by the deadline. That's it, I'm done, and now what you do is putting one if not more together in a single day, but that's your job. Very cool. What's the station you work for?
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very awesome
its always nice to meet people interested in the field!
most people think there is no editing.. or their entire interview will be seen, lol
it gets quicker
what used to take me a couple hours i can do in about 30 minutes now
kfdx and kjtl.. local nbc and fox affiliates
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i know what ya mean
its hard to describe.. but a lot of the comments talk about it
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I understand what it's like for people to stare at someone different. To treat them differently even though they're really not.
My sister had a disease that twisted her legs, and affected her ability to learn, and condemned her to life in a wheelchair. I still remember when I was little how, in grocery stores, malls, hospitals, wherever we went with my sister, parents would jerk their children away from her and whisper things, as if she had a contagious plague. If only they had known the kind, loving heart they were running away from.
My heart goes out to the young man. God bless him.
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i feel ya
i hate how parents just make their kids not stare!
they SHOULD be educating and teaching them
my niece is autistic and i fear some for her
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Awesome pic! He is such a brave little boy and his family must be so proud!
Kids like Clay can be mighty brave and his peers at school, although a little fearful at his appearance at first viewing, soon see past the differences! I often find it can be parents that can make things worse by being over protective of their so called 'normal' kids, who often don't want them to be subjected to anything that may cause them to be uncomfortable. Most kids are very accepting when left to ask questions and just play.
There are so many wonderful people who do such amazing work with kids and people like Clay. My own little girl [link] , my youngest, has Downs Syndrome and the kids and adults in her mainstream school are just the best examples of caring, understanding people that I have ever come across! She looks different, can be loud and can do unexpected things at times, but none of the kids get phased by it. They all want to play with her and they just get on with life and fun!
I'm sure Clay, with his loving family and an understanding school and neighbourhood will acheive great things in life.
I so agree with you about hating how parents stop their kids investigating and asking questions. It's almost like superstition. As soon as people realise that none of us are perfect and the world is full of differences, we'll all get on a lot better, and life for those who don't have it so easy, or who haven't been dealt the best hand in life, will be made so much better!
I'm really pleased you got a DD as the pic is so rich in it's message on so many levels! You give photojournalism a good name with work like this!
Sorry, to chip in and waffle like this, but it has been great to read through everyone's comments! Clay will enter my long list of the brave kids I will remember who have made a difference in this world by their brave existence in an often unforgiving world!
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i hear that
ive always been friends with everyone.. we used to take a special ed kid out with us allllll the time
others always talked about feeling sorry for him.. i never understood why
he had it good.. and good friends
thats good to hear about your daughter
gives me hope for my niece
i dont know why i worry.. none of the other children her age seem to care
and she loves the hell outta me
thanks a ton
i did suggest myself.. but ya know
i wont ever forget the lil guy either
and hope to do a follow up with him one day
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Thanks Jake!
We still hear the odd hurtful comment from people, but there's one thing for sure, it doesn't bother my daughter! I wish all the very best for your neice. At least you and your family have your heads screwed on right, so she'll have plenty of love and support!
If it's one thing we humans are good at doing, it's worrying about the future. I try not to think too far ahead for my daughter and I guess she keeps us too busy to worry too much.
Although the media gets blamed for lots, I think over the years it has also helped enormously to right the wrongs of superstition and negativity towards those with learning difficulties, disfigurement and disability!
This is what I like about dA too! We are bombarded with all sorts of amazing images of incredible people and even the fantasy images too, which all helps to preach the message that we are all part of the rich tapestry of life. No one is more or less human than anyone else. Apart from the one's who look down on others, and sadly they don't measure up!!
Keep up the excellent work, friend!
~Steve
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very inspirational thoughts
it really is great to meet ppl like you on dA
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I love this picture so much. It truly shows that in the face of adversity people will band together to help and protect their own. Knowing he has such a strong base behind him puts my heart at ease. He'll push through the dark days and succeed with more brilliance than anyone could every imagine.
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This shot is very uplifting. Thank you for sharing this with us
Is there a reason everyone is wearing red?
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glad to show ya!
if ya watch the video it explains a lil more
the shirts are for clay
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I haven't been this touched by a photo in a very long time. Wonderful effect.
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im glad i could bring it to ya
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