Ordinary People Extraordinary Lives

Everyone has a story. A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes one needs words as well. ‘Ordinary people extraordinary lives,” does just that. I’ve combined a portrait with asking people four thought provoking questions about themselves. The portrait and their answers are a compelling read about life, its challenges and each individual’s journey. At the end of each chapter, each person makes one final observation learned from their journey.

My Review...

I think many of us would like to relate to others the effect some people have had on our lives. Maybe even more importantly, capture their meaning and memories while we can. That’s what this book is about. Naguib Sami Kerba tells us about those people who might seem like everyday people but yet were so very special.  

While this was an uplifting and easy read for me, I think the satisfaction drawn from it will depend on the preference of the reader. I’m saying this because of the format of the book. There is an entry of the author’s thoughts on the person as well as a question for each. The author asks each person basically the same questions. In short, their biggest challenge and how they overcame it, one gem they have learned, and the time they may have reached a fork in the road and how it changed their life. Each Chapter continues with photographs of the person at the end.

The answers to these questions are all important points in a person’s life. The person that can’t learn from others will not enjoy this book. For others, it can be quite inspirational and full of good points, as well as leaving room for much personal contemplation.

Read an excerpt...

At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.

Bob: I aspired to become a Catholic priest from a young age. To pursue this, I entered Regina Mundi Minor Seminary in ninth grade. By the end of eleventh grade, I decided to attend a regular high school for two years before moving on to the senior seminary. On Friday, November 18, 1966, while skating at the arena in Windsor, I ran into a guy I knew from Regina Mundi who had left after ninth grade. While skating, we noticed two girls watching us from beyond the glass. After introductions, we returned to skating, and the girls went to the dance. Rick was heading to play hockey when skating ended, and I ended up at the dance with the other girl. We all decided to go out for pizza. Two weeks later, I began dating that girl. Three years later, she was diagnosed with MS. Despite being advised against marriage and having children, we got married and had two daughters who have blessed us with three grandchildren. We will celebrate fifty-two years of marriage in September 2023. Though health issues have been a concern, I have no regrets and am confident I made the right choice. A chance meeting with someone I barely knew led me to the love of my life.

about Naguib Sami Kerba...

While studying photography at Sheridan College, the gender imbalance was striking: 125 male students compared to just five female students. In our small cohort of eight, there were five men and three women. Summoning my courage, I asked one of the female students, Shirley, out on a date. She kindly declined, saying, “I’m not the girl for you, but I know the perfect one for you!”

Not long after, on May 2, 1974, I met Donna, Shirley’s neighbour. I immediately sensed that Donna was, in fact, the one, and my dating days had ended. We were married on November 6, 1976. Our relationship has blended differences and commonalities, with Donna being my harshest critic and greatest supporter.

Donna and I have raised two wonderful children. Tara is a devoted mother and teacher, while Christopher is a gifted musician. Their physical appearances and intellectual abilities reflect a strange combination of Donna and me. They are exceptional individuals who positively contribute to the world.

One of my long-standing dreams has been to publish a book of my photographs. The concept for this project has been developing for some time. Meeting individuals who can help bring such dreams to fruition is rare, but I was fortunate to forge a close friendship with Dan Bodanis, who has an impressive network. Dan connected me with the NHL Alumni group, which set the stage for my encounters with Paul Patskou, Graham McWaters, and Al Rose, all featured in this book. Dan also introduced me to Jude Pitman, the publisher at BWL Publishing Inc. (BWL).

This book is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the family and friends who have enriched my journey as a person, photographer, and now author. If true wealth is measured by the family, friends, and people we meet, I am indeed the wealthiest man alive.

 The questions have been refined since the first “Essence portrait,” but the concept remains unchanged. The primary purpose is to gain a more profound understanding of the person by asking probing questions and encouraging people to share their stories and the lessons they've gleaned from their journeys.

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