When you live with a loved one with Alzheimer’s, you begin to realize that there is no ‘big’ anymore. Everything is reduced to small moments that reflect the myriad of emotions and feelings that fill any given day. With time, there comes an awareness that the little moments have value, and though there is an overall acceptance that this disease is going to win, there is the need to make small moments count.
I was privileged to spend some time with Michele Muir, a close friend who works for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester Chapter as she prepared for her photographic showing of “Every 69 Seconds: Memories of Alzheimer’s”—a photo-essay displayed at the Art Gallery of Iona College, New Rochelle, New York.
Michele is a gifted photographer who, in her work, has captured the very essence of what life is like living with Alzheimer’s.
Even the title speaks to us. Just two years ago this photo-essay carried the title “Every 71 Seconds”—a reference to the clicking of the clock that marks the moment when someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. In just two years that time has been reduced to 69 seconds—a clear indication that this disease is growing at such a rate that we can no longer ignore its powerful impact.
Michele has put a face on Alzheimer’s. It is not a disease to be observed from afar. It is up close and personal, touching lives, changing relationships, destroying the future. She has captured moments that are common to those touched by this disease—confusion, restlessness, frustration.
And yet, she doesn’t stop there. In an incredible display of black and white photographs carefully nestled among hand written comments on the walls, she goes beyond the obvious pain and loss to offer to us rare glimpses of joy, of loved ones reaching out, of gentle moments that are also part of the lives of persons living with Alzheimer’s.
A powerful message. People are living with this disease. Despite the fact that there is no cure, despite the fact that no one survives Alzheimer’s, Michele gives us the clear message that life is still going on, in and around this disease. That by literally focusing on moments of joy, humor, calm, we can still honor life and celebrate its right to exist.
A true message from the heart.
Hugs,
Marilynn Visit me on my website! releasedtotheangels.com
Capturing a moment...
Marilynn with Michele Muir photographer and creator of photo-essay "Every 69 Seconds: Memories of Alzheimer's"
