Today I visited Chuck, my older brother, by myself. My visit to Peachtree City, Georgia is almost coming to a close and it has been bittersweet. Chuck, is fighting Louie Body Dementia and has been placed in an assisted living home. I knew he wouldn’t know who I was, because he stopped recognizing me on the phone a while ago. But today was a special visit. I was able to help feed him, and he ate a little bit food I knew he wasn’t fond of. It gave me time to gain some emotional closure over his ordeal. He’s fought cancer and won; had heart surgery and bounced back, but this illness has no turn around. I was soon joined by his son-in-law Greg and we were able to joke, not with him, but between ourselves. It made things less real.
Dementia is difficult for the caregiver and other family members, but this form is even more so since it involves Parkinsons also. I care gave to my mom, who had dementia, for 9 years, but she had a strong body. Chuck is suffering on all accounts. Through it all, the family here continues to take amazing care of him.
During my week’s visit, I told my sister-in-law, Brenda, that I wanted to take her places, getting her away from the house to relax. Brenda doesn’t drive, so we go to visit Chuck and then take off. Taking off sounds like we go a distance, we don’t. Everything is close here.
Through it all, photography has brought me out of the sorrow and into a different time and space. Our first get away was to Senoia, a small town with a Main Street shopping area. It was an easy walk through and fun. Since then, we visited Starrs Mill and Serenbe. My niece Roberta took us to Serenbe yesterday, and it was a lovely afternoon drive. And, last night, we joined the rest of the family for a birthday dinner celebration–the first without Chuck present.
Today’s images are of Senoia. I probably won’t have time to post from here again before I return home. And I’ll be taking sweet memories back with me.
I enjoyed our conversation today and I’m so happy you were able to have these beautiful moments and make some unforgettable memories to take with you from this very difficult journey to Georgia. I love the photos (as usual). Have a safe flight home. Much love, Paul
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Thank you Paul. Love you.
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Wonderful photos Anne. Never alone or sad with a camera in hand.
Safe travels home.
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Thanks Karen. So true.
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Glad you were able to be there for both of them.
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Thanks Laura. It’s been difficult.
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A beautiful way to honour your brother Anne. The writing is poignant and photography has a way of capturing moments we can find no words for. Take care 🙂 Linda
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Thank you so much Linda.
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Anne — Beautiful post! You really captured Senoia in a unique way……..I learned a few things……and will need to go back to try a few shots.
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Thanks Donna. What was the unique way I captured it and what did you learn. I want to learn also. Your answers may help me define my style.
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Anne, I just love how you capture the details…..like the lights hanging in the store. I’m a little timid with bringing out my camera and taking pictures….
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Thanks Donna. I think my style is becoming one of close ups. I did ask if I could take the pictures. I’m finding people don’t mind if you shoot in their stores. I’m timid about asking if I can take pictures of people. Also I’d rather catch them candidly.
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