Theme # 139 "Hands"

"Hands"......I know that I basically composed this image, in my mind, the first day I saw the 365 theme list. I also believe in order for a image to have a sense of being or character that the story behind the image is sometimes as important as the image itself. That said I will try to provide some background and insight in the making of this photo. In 1997 my mom's health took a turn for the worse and she suffered a slight stroke and required hospitalization and rehabilitation. My father has long been deceased and also her second husband so my wife and I became care-takers for my mother. Anyone who has done this for their elder parents knows how difficult it is at times. In 2007 my Mom's care escalated to such a degree that it was best for all concerned to place her in an assisted living care facility where proper care could be administered. This was by far the most painful and difficult decision that my wife and I have ever had to make. The guilt, sobbing, crying and sever emotional pain were with us until we sought help from the Alzheimer's foundation and went for group and individual counseling. They explained so clearly the "Journey" that my Mom was on and nothing we could do would change that journey. We did the best we could for ten years and now suffer no guilt at all. When my Mom was placed in the nursing home they all told us that acclimation to this facility would come about when she started to make contact and friends. These "Hands" are of my mother Gladys, and her dear friend Ruth. When they became friends my Mom sort of settled in and felt safe and secure in her new home. My mom is now 91 and Ruth's age I really do not know. When I went to visit her today she asked if I have seen Ruth as she has not been around for a few days. I wheeled Mom over to Ruth's room and the three of us had quite a chat and I asked permission of Ruth and my Mom to take a few pictures. Well here is one result. Too me my short story adds depth to the image as now We know who, where and what they are.....but Two strangers from different walks of life.... each on their own individual path of their life's journey finding friendship and strength from one another when meeting in their next to final home. We have made friends with at least thirty or more residents at this facility and when my wife and I visit my Mom we visit them all.
Exif data is as follows: Image taken on January 30, 2009 @ 3:52PM, Nikon D-90,RAW, Aperture Preferred Mode, WB-Auto, ISO-200, Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens at 1/60 sec. f/5.6,zoom @44mm. Hand held and in/on camera flash fired with minus one stop compensation.