Saturday, October 17, 2009

Hands...

I recently did a feature on my father dealing with old age and making his first visit to the Senior Center. I sat down after the visit and just watched him as we talked and every now and then would take a picture. As always, click each photo for a better view.

What got my attention as I seriously studied him was his hands and his relationship with his walking stick since his hip surgery.



This one I found very telling because I discovered my father is shy... he does not like to look into the camera. To get him to face the camera I tried telling him jokes and if you look closely there is the hint of a smile.









I particularly like this one. There is something about the way he holds his hands I find interesting. If you look closely it is clear these are the hands of a working man. And, though frail there is still a sense of strength in them.



















I asked him about his walking stick (that he calls "My Stick") and watched as he described what it allows him to do. As he talked about it, you got the impression something so simple was one of his prized possessions.

















What also struck me about his description was the almost loving caress he gave the stick as he talked about it. Notice his grip

12 comments:

  1. Emotion...very nice pictures...even the "prized his possessions...." !!Have nice day..

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  2. I can see why he shows affection to his walking stick... Not only does it give physical support but I think it helps him walk w/dignity... That smile tells all, I bet he is thinking of 'other' things that your joking may have sparked...:-)

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  3. Such a beautiful hands.... Must I draw them, Cherrie? I will like make it very much.

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  4. Ana,

    Yes, feel free to draw them. My father would be honored.
    (Sí, no dude en llamar a. Mi padre sería un honor.)

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  5. Oh, thanks a lot! :-) I will draw his hands next week if I have a little of time. I will show you the result.

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  6. To Everyone,

    My father is overwhelmed that people find him interesting. His eyes got big when he read what each of you had to say!

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  7. Such a lovely! :-) I send a great kiss for your father from the far Europe.

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  8. Cherrie, as far as your remark, older people have so much info and knowledge, and I have found that even tho their age shows physically, their heart is just as young as when they were in their teens or 20's....

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  9. Chrissy,

    Very good point. Now that Daddy has found his element there seems to be a spring to his step and he has found a place where he can exhibit his knowledge. Great observation!

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  10. Thanks!, I guess seeing the photo of your Dad reminds me of my friend's parents, my grandma and even tho I am not near 70, even I can remember being 20.. Being 55 I've kept in shape and my mind is even wiser and sharper than it ever has been.
    I hope u post more adventures your Dad has, he's an inspiration to anyone who reads your posts about him.

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  11. - « J’appris ce jour-là qu’une main peut, pour qui sait l’observer, refléter les émotions aussi bien qu’un visage, mieux qu’un visage car elle échappe davantage au contrôle de la volonté » VERCORS, Le silence de la mer.

    Vercors is one of my favorite authors. I devoted several seminars to his most popular short-story which is called "Le silence de la mer" (literally : The silence of the sea). This quote, up here, is about how much hands can tell you about a person's personality and emotions (Google translate, help me !). I really loved your remark about a workman's hands : your Dad's hands are a token, a testimony of a lifetime's proud and honorable work and of duty accomplished.
    A big hug to you and him.

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  12. JLBO,

    That is a beautiful sentiment! I also learn stuff from you all the time... Oh, by the way, Google translate did a great job!

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