“In Sickness and in Health”

“I Peggy, take thee, Jerry, and I Jerry, take thee Peggy... to be my wedded husband... to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poor, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith”. My beloved grandparents made this commitment as they stood at the front of the church. Her hair and makeup complete, his tie laying straight, and both with a grin from cheek to cheek. Now 60 years have passed. Things are not the way they use to be, yet this commitment still lies between them. Their hopes and dreams have changed, as sickness and poor health creep into their lives. Their scars show from past devastations, wrinkles mark their age, and their bodies fail to complete the simple tasks.

As I grew up, I was able to witness these struggles firsthand. Challenges that did not make sense to me as a healthy young individual. I created this series to navigate the reality of growing old together in a residential space. What happens when life hits hard and takes away the things we value most? What happens when we lose our ability to walk, our ability to remember, or our ability to physically support each other. Someone who once was the provider, now in return is provided for. In this exhibition I represent the physical and emotional struggles throughout their home. As the viewer continues to examine the photographs they understand the balance between the couple’s dependence between each other. Jerry and Peggy have lived in the same home for more than 25 years. As they grew older, they try to adapt to their environment, however, adapting became significantly more difficult as Jerry’s disabilities become worsen. These photographs represent how strenuous simple tasks are for an elderly disabled man, especially when their home lacks accommodations. Without a major financial investment, their hallway is unable to fit a wheelchair, therefore, walking through the house becomes a difficult task. Without railing, a potential fall could be devastating. A house without design for one with a disability becomes a continuous fear. A fear of everyday life.