I was at an Aged care facility today visiting my partner (she is disabled and needs constant care). They were having an Art show of works by the clients, some were bad, some good and a few fascinated me.
There is a male client, Don, who is 90 and suffers bad dementia, he cannot communicate, but he paints wonderful abstract water colours.
I sat with him and asked if I could look at his works. He drifts in and out but obviously knew I was there and was interested in him and his Art.
The Art supervisor explained to me that Don paints without being told what to paint and he then painstakingly signs his Art and gives each piece a title.
He showed me one he had called 'Balloons'. It was random dabs of bright colour, which he had then circled each dab with a black pen, and drew strings on each one. He had created this wonderful picture of 50-70 balloons floating across his page. I thought it was gorgeous and wonderful.
It was so lovely that I asked if I could buy it (all works were for sale, if the artist so wished). He kept pushing it into my hands, trying to give it too me (I think). I gave him $100 for it which will go towards any supplies he needs, and will be managed by the facility as his own money for any treats that he may want.
He then leaned over and kissed me. I held his hand as he drifted off to wherever we go when we are old, frail and demented.
I left with a wonderful picture and a gift, that I can never pay for.
I thought I would share to lift the spirits of those of us who feel a bit sad and those of us who may be struggling with our lives this wonderful day.
Cindy
