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

 

Original Drawings & Model Commentaries:

AIA Drawing # 22
(17 inches X 23 inches)





 

As a young man,  Ralph learned that he had a knack for boxing.  His skills as an amateur boxer were such that there was much talk of turning professional.  But,  boxing was not Ralph's dream.  He dreamed of "owning land."

Ralph was a proud man,  in many ways,  a simple Nebraska Farm boy who believed in duty and hard work.  He bought land and began his farm.  He had a vision of a completed home and a productive farm.  He moved his wife,  Maria,  and three children into the farm's first home.

Geanine was five years old when she made the move to the farm.  She was not able to understand her father's reason for placing the little house in the hot sun just out of reach of the shade of the beautiful tree shown in the drawing.  She could not see the wisdom of her father's actions.  The shade was being saved for the house shown in the background of Ralph's drawing. While living was harsh and the tasks of creating a farm were many,  Ralph slowly made the vision he had created for his farm and his family into a reality.  He built the house with his own hands and provided for his family through the toughest times America has seen.  Ralph came from an era when survival required toughness.  He not only survived,  he prospered.  His children became productive adults and prosperous community leaders.  Ralph became a grandfather and saw his children's children become adults.  And,  as with us all,  time took its toll as it passed.

Time brought this fiercely independent man to a point in life where he required long term care,  a nursing home.   Ralph was not one to ask for help,  he would rather be uncomfortable than to do so.  Geanine,  now a multi-faceted and successful Lincoln,  Nebraska businesswoman,  brought her father to Haven Manor to live.  Ralph was not at all pleased to be there and did not hesitate to show his displeasure to family or staff.

Geanine admits with a laugh,   "He was a cantankerous resident and that is putting it nicely.  What changed my Dad was the way the people,  the staff at Haven Manor,  loved him.  They treat both their resident's emotional needs and their physical needs.  It's more than simple health care.  I remember taking Dad to an appointment;  my father smiled and nodded toward Betty Burbach,  Resident Care Supervisor,  he said,   "She really likes me."  His toughened exterior faded and Dad learned to give and receive love.  He became the resident most likely to ask for a hug from a staff member or willing visitor.  His last year and a half of life at Haven Manor was the happiest time of his life.  He learned to be my friend and to love me as I loved him.  My Father died happier than he lived."

In her father's honor,   Geanine built a long term care facility giving its residents the amenities of a fine home while maintaining the same quality of loving care that changed her father's life.

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