For those of you who don’t know Taylor’s story, I suggest you get caught up by reading about my first time visiting Taylor. It starts at the beginning of his journey and will get you caught up.
I’ve always believed a professional photographer’s job is more about sharing a story than it is about capturing images. Since the day Taylor got hurt, I knew I had to help tell his story through images to the best of my ability and as closely as Taylor and Danielle would allow. Their attitude and willingness to share what they’re going through is simply incredible and beyond humbling. Anyone that follows Taylor’s story is aware of what we’re witnessing. Not only is Taylor’s story one of tragedy, perseverance, strength, love, family, friendship and community, but he also happens to be friends with a group of people who together cover the entire spectrum of media. That all means Taylor has a story worth hearing and the resources to change people’s lives. Taylor and Danielle know how powerful their story is, and they know how important it is to continue to share their progress.
It was only a matter of time before someone, somewhere caught wind of Taylor and Danielle’s inspiring tale. So when I woke up Monday, September 17th to a flood of emails and phone calls, I knew it had happened. Someone did what I should have done a long time ago: they shared Taylor and Danielle’s love story in pictures only. That single post sparked a fire with the media, and for that entire week, Ben and I were drowning in requests. My favorite thing about that week is while Ben and I were struggling to keep in contact with every major news source, including offers from Ellen, the TODAY show, ABC and others, Taylor and Danielle remained focused. They knew about all of the calls and emails, but when we were frantically trying to contact them Tuesday, they didn’t respond until 2:00 p.m. I was put back in my place when Taylor chuckled and said, “I’ve got rehab to work on, the phone calls can wait.” They weren’t even phased by all of the commotion; they remained steadfast and focused.
Jump to that following weekend. We had arranged plans for Taylor and Danielle to be guests on the TODAY show in New York City. We got to enjoy a wonderful weekend there. While we were there we got to attend a Yankee’s game, see Time Square and visit the 9/11 memorial. I want to thank NBC for treating us so nicely and again thanks to Taylor and Danielle for allowing me to come and bring my big dumb camera and stick it in your faces all weekend!
Taylor’s older sister Molly got to bring her boyfriend, Ryan out to New York. Ryan’s aunt, uncle and cousin live in Manhattan and ate with us our first night in town. Seeing how Taylor interacts with children is adorable. The low raspy tone in his voice doesn’t change, but his eyes grow kinder as he patiently teaches kids how his new parts work. He understands their curiosity and wants to show them how cool the technology is. He was joking with Sophia about how his arm is voice activated, which I personally found very amusing!







One of my favorite things about being around Taylor and Danielle is seeing how they interact with each other. Like any other couple, they have their own inside jokes and humor, and although the things they do to express these jokes is different after Taylor’s accident, they’ve already adapted to the change. Sometimes I catch Taylor making a “fist” with his left nub and then he and Danielle shake their fists at each other. It’s endearing and makes me smile knowing Danielle can still pick up on Taylor’s humor even when his body is unable to express the same language it used to.
On Monday, September 24th, Taylor and Danielle made their first appearance on national television when they stepped in front of the cameras at the TODAY show.
As they sat Taylor and Danielle down for their interview, Taylor looked out the window and saw three of his EOD friends outside waving. It was so awesome to see them there to support Taylor. It just goes to show how tightly knit Taylor and his brothers are.
On October 13th, Taylor and Danielle returned home for the second time. They got to enjoy just over a week back home. The main reason for their return on October 19th was “The Unstoppable Event,” a benefit put on by Taylor’s family. The event was held at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa, who generously donated use of their beautiful space for an evening of dinner, dancing, and auctions.
Tuesday, October 16th was Taylor’s 24th birthday. In typical Morris fashion, we had a bonfire. Bonfires at the Morris’ house aren’t very typical. In fact, it’s only considered a success if the fire department gets at least one phone call, and that night was no exception. Just one problem though, we forgot to forewarn the fire department of our recreational fire, so on behalf of everyone in attendance, sorry Cedar Falls Fire Department! Although your appearance was unnecessary, turning on the lights as you left made for a fun show!
Friday, October 19th, people began to pour into the event. They didn’t stop. As a matter of fact the parking lot got full and people had to park at the hotel next door, and then that got full and people had to park down the street! Being a wedding photographer in Cedar Falls, I’ve had the pleasure of shooting several weddings at the Park Place Event Centre. I have never seen anywhere near this many people in that building at once. It was so amazing. I asked Taylor near the end of the event if he was overwhelmed, and to my surprise, he said, “No, this is great!” I assumed having that many people try and meet and greet would be like a graduation open house from hell. Again, Taylor’s genuine character comes into play as he welcomed each person whole-heartedly, sincerely grateful for their attendance.
Taylor’s aunt, Cindy Johnson, headed the event. Without her, the event would not have been so successful!
Denise Olson held a golf fundraiser in August called “Tee Up for Taylor.” They raised $30,000 and presented Taylor and Danielle with a check privately at the event.
Danielle’s parents, Paula and Shawn dancing.
By all numbers the event was a HUGE success. There were over 700 people in attendance and they raised over $100,000 through silent auctions, live auctions, donations and ticket sales. Everyone had such a good time. The atmosphere was so positive and so exciting. I was so proud to have some of my photographs auctioned off. Thanks to Mark and Steve at American Color in Cedar Falls and Curtis Benton with Pixel2Canvas who donated the prints.
One moment that stood out to me during the event was when Taylor took the stage to make a speech. It wasn’t actually anything he said (although he’s a natural with the mic and I hope we all hear more from him), it was a little something that happened during his speech. Taylor grabbed the mic and began to speak. Midway through the speech, his prosthetic arm decided to open his hand making Taylor drop the mic. The mic only fell about six inches before Danielle had already caught it mid-air. Neither of them flinched; they just continued! To me that moment represents so much about their relationship. Danielle didn’t just take the mic and hold it for Taylor, she let him hold it and was there to let him do things on his own. When things didn’t go as planned, she was there to help Taylor. This is the closest thing to two-become-one that I’ve ever witnessed. When Taylor’s arm fails, she’s his arm. When his legs can’t propel him up the stairs, she’s his legs.
While we were hanging out one day last week, Taylor, Danielle and Ben spoke on the phone with a lawyer about their plans and goals. Over hearing this conversation was so humbling. Here Taylor and Danielle were already trying to figure out how they could use the money donated to them to start a foundation with the hopes of providing children with prosthetics. Now that’s character. Taylor continued to speak about how he wants to see used prosthetics being re-purposed someday and is already scheming ways to help improve the current outdated system. Like I’ve said before, they’re incredible and truly an inspiration.
I’ve been asked on several occasions how I know Taylor or what our friendship consists of. As I had mentioned in my first post about Taylor, I met him in a corn field. We bonded because of our extreme passions for cars, motorcycles, mechanics and recklessness. Nine years later, not much has changed. As a matter of fact, for me, things have come full circle. If you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up when I was three, I would’ve said a tractor, and would introduce myself as Tractor Dodd. Once I grasped the concept that being a tractor may be a difficult profession, I turned to a more obvious career choice, scorpion training. Eventually, I dreamt of a more realistic career and from the age of seven until I graduated high school if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would answer, “A prosthetic engineer.”
I don’t believe what happened to Taylor has any grand scheme or purpose behind it. I think it’s a tragic, horrific event we all wish would’ve never happened. I still find myself wishing things were different, but one thing I’m glad changed is our friendship. I can honestly say our bond is so much stronger than it was before, mostly because of how Taylor inspires me. I dream about Taylor several nights a week, think of prosthetic designs, and I’ve found a new spark for creativity. I think the tragedy of almost losing a good friend of mine made me reevaluate a lot of things and because of that, I’ve tried to not let any of my friendships grow idle. I’ve learned to live more fully and not take a single minute for granted.
If any good has come from this, it’s that Taylor is inspiring thousands and thousands of people. If you’ve been inspired for him, speak up, share his story with everyone you know. You might not even know what it can do for them.
To keep up to date with Taylor’s progress, make a donation, or buy a Taylor Morris T-Shirt; please visit www.taylormorris.org
41 Comments
Truly beautiful people.
Your words and pictures make me cry every time.
wow…again. What a couple….and hats off to you Tim for sharing your enormous talent with the world…..
Awesome, Tim. Great photographs.
Wonderful people. Wonderful story. Wonderful photos. Thank you, Tim, for sharing.
Proud of you, Tim. Excellent work. (A labor of love, I would say.)
Words do not describe how full my heart is after reading about Taylor's journey. He and Danielle are such an inspiration. Not just because of his injuries but because of their unflinching love and dedication to EACHOTHER! <3
Tim, your photographs and tails of Taylor's journey is always done with so much Love. You always take us to the moment, whatever Taylor and Danielle are doing. I do hope you continue to share the Taylor Morris story.
Great picture of you and Tony Dehl. I will definitely get together with you both when I'm in town for Sturgis Falls.
Tim, as usual, you put together pictures showing the spirit and love of those two great people. Thank you for your dedication to Taylor and Danielle.
Crazy how your dreams have come full circle, Tractor Dodd! Love you! :)
I can't thank you enough for capturing the spirit of Taylor and Danielle. Your photos could not be more perfect. God bless you for supporting this real American hero and his family.
Absolutely awesome! Thank you for bringing the inspiration through pictures and your blog to those of us who don't know Taylor & Danielle personally!
Wow. I can't really find much else to say.
When I ever get on a pity pot for myself all I will have to do is watch this video. Taylor and Danielle What a inspiration you both are. Many Blessings to You!
Beautiful people, beautiful story. Simply amazing.
I was proud of you when you wanted to be Tractor Dodd, then the scorpion trainer, and then a prosthetic engineer, but I've never been as proud of you as I am now. Thanks for taking the time to bring Taylor & Danielle into our lives!
I can see why you are proud, Cindy! Fantastic kids, all of them!!! (Linda)
Awwww!!!!
Once again, you have done an outstanding job of documenting Taylor and Danielle's unexpected journey. Not only are your pictures beautiful, but so is your heart and the love you put into the blog. The love shines through! God bless you!
Whenever I see Taylor and Danielle tackle something new or an event in their honor I think to myself…nothing can top that. Each time I'm amazed at the progress, love, compassion, and support from everyone involved in this journey. Thank you Tim for your beautiful pictures, putting words to those pictures, being such a wonderful friend to Taylor and Danielle, and sharing with those of us who are not able to be there. Hugs from Arlington, TX.
OMG awwww :D they are so great together.
My wife and I spend a day at WR Hospital's, Wounded Warrior building and met Taylor and Danielle..Wonderful Couple…
Tim, you've done an amazing job capturing their story and you're a hero in your own right. How lucky is Taylor to have you as a friend? Keep up the great work!
Pretty amazing.The Pictures are outstanding, and Taylor a bright, bright shining star.
There is a fairly massive ring on Danielle's left hand – are they engaged yet?
Wow! a prosthetic engineer! how prophetic! You are a pretty awesome photographer too! I really love the first photograph at the top with the huge bonfire and the silhouettes of the gang!
Tim…your view and perspective (and ability to share it with all of us) has made Taylor and Danielle's story come alive. Your images have been a common thread that helps keep us tuned in daily for updates. Your pictures have made it easier to share their lives and inspiration with our friends, to pass along their story. Thank you for your dedication, talent and willingness to share with us.
When are you going to marry that wonderful girl. Make sure you post it when you ask her and post the wedding too.
Um história que destaca duas coisas possíveis ao ser humano. Uma muito ruim e outra muito boa: a guerra e o amor.
Could this be any more inspiring? Amazing courage by both Taylor and Danielle.
My goals for the past 6 years are to be an Occupational therapist for the VA. Taylor inspires me every single day to keep on pushing through, so that someday I will be blessed to work with amazing wounded warriors like him!
He has an AMAZING story! I know you will have a huge impact on those you are serving. Praying for encouragement for you daily.
Tim, thank you so much for allowing us to a be a part of this amazing story. We're so glad to hear it was such a tremendous success!
As a military spouse I just want to say I admire both Taylor and Danielle- what an amazing couple. Thank you for your service- what an inspiration to so many.
Just learned about Taylor and Danielle today, the day after Veterans Day. Seeing your "Love Story" series, reading their blog, reading what you've written has brought true meaning to what Veterans Day is about. Their story will undoubtedly have a profound and inspirational effect on anyone who hears it. You are an amazing photographer and friend, and theirs is the most inspiring story I've ever known.
No dry eyes here. Truly inspirational! Really amazing photos for a truly amazing story. Love your work, Tim and so inspired by your friend Taylor and the amazing woman by his side. This is what restores my faith in life and humanity.
I wanted to make a slide show of Taylor Morris's story, but don't want to infringe on copyright. Beautiful love story, but will not make the slide show.
First To Taylor's mom, job well done mom!! Taylor, there are not any words that describe what I just learned about you, and your loving, devoted wife. You're quite an inspiration for those who believe that something is not possible, you have proved it, lived it, owned it. Thank you for your service, thank you to your wife, your family, and all who assisted. I have been advocating for "Bring Home Bowe" also on facebook. How wonderful it would be to get the same response for this courageous young man as well. God bless all of you.
Thank you for sharing their story with all of us! Such an inspiration!
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