Solomon J Parker: Untitled

At last year's Kentucky State Fair, when I saw my photo entry of the Reservoir Park on Frankfort Ave with a green ribbon hanging by it, I let out an audible gasp. It was dramatic and high-pitched with my mouth agape. I believe I may have even clutched my chest as if my heart were truly exposed to the elements. Pride of seeing a prize by my name swelled within my chest and stole my breath. These moments are few and far in between, but I am fortunate enough to know that this feeling is familiar.

#100HappyDays is trending on my social network feeds, and lists are a big thing these days. I'm no BuzzFeed but allow me to share a piece of the heart I wear on my sleeve with you. Below are the moments that took my breath away (in no particular order):

The day my sister was born.
Making the middle school basketball team. There were 15 spots. My name was #16.
Spotting Dad coming through the gates on Family Weekend at Centre to watch me play against Millsaps.
When Mom surprised us with Christmas gifts in the middle of a winter storm in 1995.
Realizing that GPN's Great Chicken Debate had finally been settled when I had a meal at Willie Mae's Scotch House in New Orleans.
Getting last-minute clearance to play football after undergoing knee surgery
The day Matlock World Peace became my fierce dog
Stepping foot in Wrigley field for the first time. They won that game; I believe I may be good luck.
Election Day 2008
Watching the sun rise in Mexico.
The day I chose to go to Richmond to watch Sean do comedy.
Making my first basket in a real game. (I was in sixth grade. It was on the other team's goal.)
When I realized that the field of work I am in is what I am supposed to be doing.
Tasting that first bite of a slice of a Brooklyn pie.
Visiting my then three-year-old nephew at Boston's Children Hospital and seeing that he was doing well post major heart surgery.
My grandmother coming to my hometown church the Sunday before I went to college and singing "Walk Around Heaven"
Looking up to see the night sky was a fiery red, and I was convinced the sky was falling. I captured it with my camera, and it turned out to be the Aurora Borealis all the way in southeastern Kentucky. My photo reached local news and was featured nationally on ABC.
Hearing OutKast come out to Bombs Over Baghdad when they performed in Louisville for their 20 year reunion.
Missing the bus to an away basketball game I was really looking forward to because I took my time on a history test in eighth grade; weeks later I found out I aced it.
Crossing the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Festival's half marathon. Literally, I was out of breath. This counts.
Seeing how beautiful and smart Ashia was in her cap and gown at her high school graduation

And most recently:

Turning the corner at this year's Kentucky State Fair and hearing Melanie let out an audible gasp. She clutched her chest as her eyes welled up, and I looked at the direction of her gaze-- a first place blue ribbon and a Best of Show purple ribbon by my name.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the moments that take your breath away are priceless.

This year's entries are as follows: