Monday, October 19, 2009WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR? Photo Project {Meet Gladys}
Gladys is the bees knees.
This lovely treasure caught my eye this morning as I scooted past her waiting at crosswalk. The purple sunglasses and outfit to match screamed for my attention. I circled around the block having some inner-dialogue about how I just had to pull over and photograph her. It would have been so easy to keep on going with my day; business as usual. I would have missed out on meeting a beautiful soul.
As I came back around the block I found Gladys knocking on the door of an empty church. I pulled my scooter onto the curb and asked her how she was doing. Turns out she was looking for some assistance in finding someplace to live. I explained my photography project to her and requested her permission to take her picture. I told her just how much I loved her purple glasses! She was tickled and graciously modeled for me. She says “Even when you get to 84 you still like to have fun!”
“However, looking for a home isn’t fun” she admitted.
Then I offered her a little help. I walked her into the church office to find out if they could connect her with a program to help her find housing. Currently she is sleeping in her son’s armchair waiting on an apartment. The church had nothing for her so we walked out with as much as we walked in with. Ironic. The Bible declares that pure and undefiled religion is this; taking care of widows and orphans. Yet this hundred year old church offered nothing -not even a referral for an old lady down on her luck. My heart grew heavy as I realized I didn’t have anything for her as well. Here I am on my way to work, taking her picture, with nothing to give in return. As I step out of my comfort zone to pursue this project my eyes are opening to the ever present need around me. I am realizing why we (people) tend stick to ourselves. We aren’t prepared on any random day to help an old lady find an apartment.
We said our goodbyes and Gladys told me she really likes photographers and that I am a nice man. ;) I whispered a little prayer for her and scooted off wishing I could have done something.
This lovely treasure caught my eye this morning as I scooted past her waiting at crosswalk. The purple sunglasses and outfit to match screamed for my attention. I circled around the block having some inner-dialogue about how I just had to pull over and photograph her. It would have been so easy to keep on going with my day; business as usual. I would have missed out on meeting a beautiful soul.
As I came back around the block I found Gladys knocking on the door of an empty church. I pulled my scooter onto the curb and asked her how she was doing. Turns out she was looking for some assistance in finding someplace to live. I explained my photography project to her and requested her permission to take her picture. I told her just how much I loved her purple glasses! She was tickled and graciously modeled for me. She says “Even when you get to 84 you still like to have fun!”
“However, looking for a home isn’t fun” she admitted.
Then I offered her a little help. I walked her into the church office to find out if they could connect her with a program to help her find housing. Currently she is sleeping in her son’s armchair waiting on an apartment. The church had nothing for her so we walked out with as much as we walked in with. Ironic. The Bible declares that pure and undefiled religion is this; taking care of widows and orphans. Yet this hundred year old church offered nothing -not even a referral for an old lady down on her luck. My heart grew heavy as I realized I didn’t have anything for her as well. Here I am on my way to work, taking her picture, with nothing to give in return. As I step out of my comfort zone to pursue this project my eyes are opening to the ever present need around me. I am realizing why we (people) tend stick to ourselves. We aren’t prepared on any random day to help an old lady find an apartment.
We said our goodbyes and Gladys told me she really likes photographers and that I am a nice man. ;) I whispered a little prayer for her and scooted off wishing I could have done something.
Labels: Who Is My Neighbor? -Project
posted by Cameron Ingalls at
4:32 PM
8 Comments:
reminds me of my grandma in a fun way!
I love Gladys!!! She is too cute. Maybe you couldn't find her an apartment today but I bet you put a huge smile on her face. Most of the time a smile is worth more than anything else.
Sometimes God has to do a little prep work before He can plant a new beginning in the garden of our heart. I have a feeling you were the instrument by which he softened the soil of her spirit. ;) And that my friend is more valuable than any monetary donation. Way to go CAMERON! I love this story.
these are absolutely precious!!!!
powerful. it's so true...and you probably 'helped' her more than you give yourself credit for. great stuff.
I agree with the group... I bet just your small gesture and compliment absolutely made her day. :) She looks like and amazing woman and I am sure now that all of us are thinking good thoughts and praying for her she will surely find a place soon!
xo
I totally agree to. Small gestures like that mean so much. not only to an elderly lady that is often invisible in this society, but to another human being. Sheer human contact.
This is SO awesome. Love the pics and your words!
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