Today I delivered a copy of my book Thelma: A Life in Pictures to the Sherbrooke care home in Saskatoon. Thelma's husband Jim spent his final years there with Alzheimer's disease. It was a special place to her. She came every day to eat meals with Jim and appreciated the caring, encouraging, joyful atmosphere that put a smile on the faces of its residents.
Thelma saw the grace and spirit in those aging faces and wanted to capture them in photographs. She asked permission to take their pictures and it was granted.
Such tender and compassionate portraits... Her photos remind us that everyone has gifts to share no matter the age or infirmity. The creative spirit flows through each of us to the best of our ability. That is when we are truly happy.
This is Thelma's message. When all feels lost or hopeless or sad, doing something ~ even a little thing ~ for ourselves and for others is our saving grace.
Alice Turner and Child, 2001 by Thelma Pepper
