A very special session

I wanted to share this very special session. Thanks for reading! Please click on the images for the large version of the portraits.

Please watch the slideshow to really enjoy the portraits and experience the session. I'll attach a youtube at the end for those on Macintosh computers.

A few weeks ago I received an email from a woman named Alicia Taylor. She asked about donating my time to the CTMC Hospice program. They were looking for a few photographers to work on creating a gallery of portraits that will go on tour to help raise awareness about what Hospice is and the services that it provides. I thought this would be a great community service project for me to support, so I contacted Ms. Taylor. Shortly there after she asked if I would be available to photograph a gentleman by the name of Mr. Preston Connally and I agreed.

It was a warm summer day and I was happy…no rain and the sun was shining as I made my way to Merrill Gardens on the day of the photo shoot. As I arrived I was met outside by CTMC Hospice case worker Alicia Taylor who led me into the building through a beautiful foyer. The foyer was a warm yellow and the light in the room was beautiful. We checked in at the front counter and a woman took us to the Alzheimer's ward. She typed in a code and we entered the doors. It was a pretty area and there were several people sitting around and talking. I heard a woman call, "B19". They were playing bingo. Alicia took me to Mr. Connally's room. He had a perfectly made bed with a maroon bedspread. He had a frame on the wall with old portraits of people in his family including a wedding photo of him and Mrs. Connally. It was a beautiful portrait. I was instantly drawn to the character his leather chair exuded. I knew that would be a great place to photograph him. So I opened the shades on the window and moved his chair a bit to be in the beautiful window light. I got my gear out and was setting my equipment up as Mrs. Connally arrived.

We made our introductions and one of the nurses went to get Mr. Connally. He had just won at bingo! When he entered the room his face lit up when he saw his wife Doris. He hugged her and held her hand. He said hello to me and told me that, 'She was his girl." I said hello and he asked me my name. We talked for a bit and I asked him if I could take his portraits. Alicia asked him if he'd play his Chromatic harmonica for us. He sat down in his leather chair and his wife handed him his harp and he began to play. I was amazed at how beautifully he played. He played several songs for us and I snapped away. I asked Mrs. Connally to join in for some photos. He was so happy to have her sit with him. You could tell how much he loved her. They held hands as she sat on the edge of his chair. They looked at each other and he asked, "Can I kiss her!" Absolutely!! He again told me how much he loved her. They have been married for 63 years.

We decided to take a stroll and go outside for a few images. We went to the courtyard and sat on the patio. Mr. Connally again played his harmonica for us. He told me that he had been playing since he was six years old. He and Mrs. Connally sat together as I imagined how they must have sat together on a porch, while he played and she listened, countless times over the years. I felt honored that I was there with them today. I smiled when he hugged her and pulled her tight.

The last location where I wanted to photograph was in the foyer. So we headed out to the front lobby. There were several other residents sitting there. Mr. Connally played "When the Saints Come Marching In" and they all joined in and sang along. Mrs. Connally looked so beautiful in the gentle afternoon sun. I love the portrait of her watching him play. Mr. Connally couldn't remember my name, but boy he sure remembered those songs. Everyone enjoyed him playing as they sat and rocked. We finished up the session and walked them back to his room. I packed up my gear and as I was walking out I was so thankful that I could celebrate Mr. Connally's life with portraits.

I believe full heartedly in helping volunteer organizations and their efforts to give back to the community. People are often times not aware of the many different ways they can contribute to the many outstanding charitable organizations. I support various charities throughout the year, using my photography to create memories for families, and this work leaves me with a deep sense of satisfaction. Especially because I know how appreciated my art is to most. Being able to celebrate someone’s life is an honor. The CTMC Hospice program is a nonprofit organization that provides all kinds of care and comfort to families and patients. I am looking forward to being able to give this gift to other families and to support this charity. For more information about CTMC Hospice Care please visit their website.