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

 

Lilly feels it was prayer that guided her to become a resident of Casa Del Rio,  a private apartment within the Plaza Del Rio multi-level care complex in Peoria,  Arizona.  Casa Del Rio provides a comfortable,  independent living environment.  It is owned by Dr. Harold Gries and Sharon Harper who have transformed a riverside desert into an "oasis of care" covering all the needs of their many residents.  Supporting the concept of a drawing series focusing on the humanity,   dignity and contributions of older Americans and seeing my dream when it was only sketched in words,  they were the second original sponsor of the Aging in America- Our Heritage of Wisdom series.  I am grateful for their early support.   I also have them to thank for introducing me to Lilly Schiltz.

Though Lilly is 96 years old,  she still spends her days in service to those whose health restricts their activities.  She bakes cookies and visits her neighbors who consider her an "Angel of Mercy."  A very private individual,   Lilly agreed to pose for me for one reason.  "If it will help somebody else,  then I’ll do it,"  she said of my request to use her as a model.  Her life had no more,  no fewer challenges,  joys or sorrows than anyone else’s.  Lilly loved,  was loved and and enjoyed her life with her first true love,  Emil.

The image framed behind her is Lilly at the age of 18-- seventy-eight years before the day she posed for me.  The features of the young girl are not lost in the image of Lilly at 96.  The eyes have grown wiser but no less beautiful.   She continues to exemplify grace and dignity in her bearing as she posed for me among a collection of fine art paintings and souvenirs that accented her apartment.   The cherished items reminders of events long past.  She shared her cherished objects with me,  telling about some of the most important moments-- paintings of her home in Sweden and a hand carved table or a lamp with special meaning.  The value of the artifacts is not the important issue;  it is the memories that have true value to her.  I feel it has been a privilege to work with Lilly Schiltz.  She has shared a few hours of her time,  some of her home-made apple strudel and her life with me.   I leave,  grateful for the opportunity she has given me by modeling for me.   I am impressed by her kindness and willingness to help others.  The most often stated expression of viewers of Lilly’s drawing is,  "She looks regal."  If royalty were bestowed on individuals by the contents of their hearts and the sum of their actions,  Lilly would be a queen.

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