Aging in America- Our Heritage of Wisdom
a series of thirty-six pencil drawings by artist jim branscum

 

When she posed for me,   Frances had been a resident for just under eight months and was still recovering from the illness that brought her to to the home.  Utilizing the character that successfully carried her through life,  she adjusted to the abrupt changes and had become the "ambassador" of the facility.  In addition to showing new residents around their new home,  Frances would tell them her story and changed of attitude toward entering a nursing facility.  How she fought her illness and was recovering and adjusting to life at Tendercare.  She made time for herself,   found time time help others and was working to improve the quality of life for herself and other residents.

Frances was born in Indiana in 1906.  She married Frank Wright but had no children.  After Frank passed away,   Frances worked with her father managing his Battle Creek hotel.  She cared for her father until his death then went to work for Security Bank.  While working at the bank,  she met Clifford K. Lee and fell in love.  Clifford felt the same love for Frances and they were soon married.  While she never gave a wedding date,   Frances told me that her marriage to Clifford brought her some of the the most wonderful days of her life.  After retiring in 1968,  Frances and Clifford shared a love for each other and the Michigan wilderness.  Clifford taught her to fish and she became a passionate participant in the sport.  Her love for Clifford has not diminished with his passing nor has her inability to "get out and wet a line" reduced her love for fishing.  The memories of each bring joy.

Frances posed with movements and gestures of one who had posed professionally.  In addition to her career in banking,   Frances had modeled as a young girl.  I told her that my daughter was a fashion model living in Milan, Italy,  "I knew  from your actions that you were involved in modeling.  Frances seemed pleased that I recognized that part of her life.  It was not the kind of personal information that she would have volunteered.   Like many of her generation,  Frances does feel a need to list past accomplishments to show her value today.  She states,  "The past is there to enjoy,  all of it,  but,  life is here-- now!"

I feel as if I am attending the college of life as I work on this project.  I began with many preconceived notions about "old people" and "nursing homes" which have been proven to be inaccurate.  Francis Lee is an example of many residents in long term care.   She accepts her need and is thankful that the services were, and are,  there for her.  Michael Kegley,  the administrator at Tendercare-Marshall,  is also an example.  He is typical of the health care professionals who have assisted me in my search for models and knowledge.  His efforts to provide quality health care and a stimulating living environment for Frances and her medical recovery are rarely news- worthy.  Yet,  the fact that her story is repeated tens,  if not hundreds of thousands of times every year, should be front page news.

To become a Sponsor of the Aging in America project or to place an order for individual prints,  Click Here.

Copyright © 1992 -2006/ All Rights Reserved Jim Branscum Art Studio


Copying or Reproducing the Original Artwork on this Site
Electronically or Any Other Means is Strictly Forbidden
Without the Express Written Consent of the Artist.

Jim Branscum Art Studio ~ P.O. Box 2048 ~ Sapulpa, OK 74067
Phone: 918/227-7856
email: jim@jimbartstudio.com

Business Manager:  Gerry Baker ~  11394 N Linden Road Suite F  ~  Clio,   MI  48420
Phone:  (810)  687-4330
e-mail: gerry@jimbartstudio.com