Original Drawings & Model Commentaries:

AIA Drawing # 16
(17 inches X 23 inches)





 

Myrtle Byrd:  1901-                                                             Waco,  Texas

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

 

Myrtle Byrd was eager to talk to me about the changes she had seen in society's attitudes toward older Americans.  She was intrigued by my efforts to create the Aging in America drawing project.   Myrtle had devoted her adult life to working with the elderly.  Her devotion to elder care began long before there was any official government interest in the welfare of the aged.  At the time we met,  Myrtle was a resident of Crestview Manor Retirement & Convalescent Center, in Waco,  Texas.  The lady who had spent a lifetime caring for others now required the assistance of other for her daily life. 

Myrtle told me little about her youth other than that she was born in Moshiem,  Texas.  She began her life at the point of working as a registered nurse in Waco.  She began her lifetime career in elder care to fill a need of the community.  She was asked to care for an elderly man who was being released from the hospital but could not totally care for himself.  With the help of one of the hospital's doctors,  Myrtle secured a large house in Waco and began to care for the single resident placed by the hospital.  She had a way with the aging resident and the word spread through the community.  Her home was filled to capacity in a short time.  These were times when the community rarely looked to government to solve problems.  When the citizens saw a need,  they came together and created the means to fulfill the need.

At that time, a license was not required and there were no regulations for the operation of a nursing home.  She laughed as she told how her only inspection was the fire marshal's "look around."  "Back then,  there were few people willing to devote their lives to the enormous responsibility of providing care for those needing assistance for their daily care.  When a new state regulation required that all nursing homes to be licensed,  Myrtle's home became the eleventh officially licensed nursing home in the state of Texas.

We talked of her past life as a caregiver and her present life as a resident.   Her life had come full circle.   She plays the piano for religious services at Crestview Manor and visits those who are not able to participate in the many activities provided by the facility.   She says,  "I will end my life as I have lived it,  serving God and those who need me."

When asked how she would like to be portrayed in her drawing for the Aging in America series,  she stated her only concern as she said,  "Show the love in my heart in the look on my face."   I chose to portray Myrtle Byrd at the piano singing.  She played and sang some of the same religious songs I had learned in my youth.  I joined her in the chorus of a few songs.  Through her music,  she was serving those she had served her entire life,  long term care residents and God.  Her life exemplifies President Theodore Roosevelt's admonition,  "Do what you can -- with what you have -- where you are."