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PenelopeT —
Disintegrate and Fade
Published: 2007-12-07 01:07:04 +0000 UTC; Views: 7469; Favourites: 192; Downloads: 127
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Description
The issue of Alzheimer's Disease is one that I think of often. What a terrible and strange condition that so many are afflicted with. And while I may ponder the philosophical components or the bigger picture issues of it, there is just the plain old human level of it that has to be acknowledged...This morning my stepfather's father died. He had struggled with Alzheimer's for the last 5 years. And while I did not know him well, the times I met him I found him to be one of the sweetest old guys you'd ever meet.
But what I did see was the pain and anger that my stepfather went through in watching his father fade into the void...
And while I will be there when my stepfather commemorates his father's life in more joyous and pleasant ways, for now, I wanted to express my sadness and feelings about this disease...
All images are my own...
You can see the original photo of the face here...[link]
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Friendly, Arwen Gernak
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Thanks so much for sharing your comment with me
Even though this piece is older, I am often still moved when people see it and can relate to it still...
I am sorry to hear of your mom and grandmother...and I can understand your fears about your own future with the disease... it does seem to run in families...
again- i appreciate your time and comment on my work ...
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I remember i saw this the day it got the daily deviation award, and by that time it was already acknowledged that my grandma had a bad memory, which for she had given medication.
Now she has diagnosed to have alzheimers, and this picture came in to my mind, you have made a touching piece here.
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WOw, thanks so much for sharing that 
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This is truly an amazing image and it brings to mind the only mercy that we can be thankful for during the time my mother suffered her strokes before she eventually passed away - she never lost her mental faculties.
Only in her final few days was she semi comatose.
Prior to that she only had mobility difficulties.
I have been with people with dementia, alzheimers etc. and it saddens me to see once intelligent independent people afflicted in this way.
I congratulate you on your ability to encapsulate into a single image the loss they must suffer.
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I am so moved and honored by what you have written... thank you for sharing about your mother and while I am sorry to hear of your loss, I am also comforted to know that she was mentally alert and herself...
Dementia and Alzheimer's is so hard to watch and I can't even imagine what it would be like inside the mind of one suffering from it...
I am glad that my picture here was something that you felt spoke to you...thanks for taking the time to comment
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thanks sweetheart... we actually just had the memorial a few days ago... he was already laid to rest last month in Seattle...
I agree with your sentiments.. and at the memorial I heard many stories from older ladies who had lost their husbands to the disease... very sad and sobering..
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Thank you so very much... I am grateful!
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I love it. there really isn't anything left for me to say... great work.
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Thank you so much...
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Absolutely amazing.
It sort of speaks for itself, but it still needs an explanation.
Brilliant work, and a truly well deserved DD.
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you are most kind... thank you for your comments and kind words
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate that
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D'oh, shoulda commented earlier...
It really and truly is a great piece of art. When I see it, I too am reminded of my Grandpa.
He didn't suffer from Alzheimer's, but cancer. And at one point, he really did forget about us all....But you know, it's ironic, and really depressing, because I clung onto him as a kid. When Grandpa wasn't around or holding me when the chance came up, I would sit there and cried because I cared about him so much.
Of course, time goes on, and I soon forgot about these memories. Although, something worse happened. On the day of July 18, 1999, my grandpa died...And the part that makes it so ironic and sad...
That day is my birthday.
So again, thank you for the wonderful piece, it is definitely gonna be fave'd. (Sorry for the life story/long comment 
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don't be sorry for sharing the story... I am enjoying all the openness people are having in terms of their experiences with either this disease or related things like your story...
It is kinda ironic that he passed on your b-day... things like that seem to happen sometimes... we have some strange b-day conincidences in our family too
Sorry to hear about your loss with your beloved grandpa... and thanks again for your comments and support.
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Thank you so much! I appreciate your feedback
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This is a very stunning and moving piece. My grandmother passed away from it and it is such a horrible way to see someone fade away. Great piece of art. Sorry for your loss.....
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and sorry for yours... thank you so much for your comments and kindness
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This truly is a wonderful picture and where you pulled the concept from is touching. My deepest condolences.
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You are so kind... I am glad you got something from this picture... thank you
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Thank you so very much! Your input is very appreciated!
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This is painfully amazing. The surreal style was an excellent choice in portraying the disease. I only hope this can is some way accomplish its goal of raising awareness.
Stellar job.
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You have honored me with your comments and thoughtfulness. I am so grateful, and I too hope it can raise some more awareness too... Thank you so much again.
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I am sorry for your lost because i can relate to your situation with my grandma.
Really nice concept though
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I am sorry to hear that you have your experiences with your grandma with this disease... May you and her be blessed... and I am glad you could find some meaning in this picture... thank you for your comments!
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Just yesterday I visited both of my great-grandmothers and it was shocking to see the differences. My Great-Grandmother Gladys just turned 97 and is brightly looking forward to turning 100 years old. She remembers our names, when we were all born, who sent her birthday cards (which she showed us each and made us read aloud
My Great-Grandmother Jean I have always been closest to. She's always told me stories and had some fun game to play with, or troll coloring books! She loved trolls. Thanksgiving 2006 was the first time she didn't recognize me due to Alzheimers, but Sunday was nearly unbearable. No... it was unbearable. It hurt to see her that way... I will spare the description. Its just hard to see her fighting to maintain not only her physical health in age, but also her mind. Like thoughts are slipping through her fingers.
This is why I like your picture. Because even though the memories are disintegrating, the water slipping away, the hallways barren... his eyes have strength. Its there, and he's fighting for it. Many pictures I've seen depicting the disease are missing just that one thing- The strength, the determination that is shown so clearly in his eyes.
Thank you for sharing this.
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I am sorry to hear about the unbearable pain you have in your dealings with this disease and your Grandma Jean. I did not know my stepfather's father too well... but as I said on my post, the times I did spend with him I knew him to be so sweet...
I can't totally imagine the true depth of being there from the beginning and seeing the full progression of it. I met him after the disease had already started to get a pretty good hold of him...
I am so glad that you could find some relevance and menaing in the picture and your comments and sharing are very appreciated... I am grateful and honored...
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A truly amazing photograph. I have relatives with this disease, and it is very tragic by what happens. The water underneath seems symbolic of losing one's memory too, but that might be just me. The background also reminds me of a nursing home. Anyway, well put together.
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thank you so much for your insightful comments... I am glad that you saw some of the symbolism in the scene... you are one of the few to comment on those parts of the pic... I really appreciate it!
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Thank you so much!
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No Problem ^_^ I hope u can check out my gallery if you got some time
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I did check it out!Very nice stuff... and I especially like the water things... really really good
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Thanks Alot ^_^ yeah they are some of my favs too
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I watched my Opa slowly become consumed by Alzheimer's until his death.
It still haunts me. Thank you for making this
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And thank you for sharing some of your story...
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