Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Wordless Wednesday - Faded lives


Empty
Montreal, QC, May 2008


I know you're not really supposed to take pictures in hospitals. But I've never really been much for rules. It was such a familiar, sad place that I couldn't not take my camera out.

Your turn: The first thing that comes to mind when you see this photo is...?

About this photo: This image continues this week's Thematic Photographic theme, faded. Click here to get involved. Come on back later Wednesday evening for our next theme. I took this picture, by the way, from my father's hospital room because I wanted to remember what it was like to be there. I'm sure some relatives will see this and flinch. But I often don't decide on a topic. The topic decides itself for me. Does that happen to you?

One more thing: I've added the "Followers" widget to my blog. Look over to the sidebar on the right, then scroll a bit down, just below the "About Me" section. I hope you'll sign up - that way you'll be among the first to know when I've posted more lunacy-inducing content. And if you'd like to be added to my new-and-improved blogroll, let me know, too.

25 comments:

Belle Adorn said...

It makes me think of a dear friend, which I don't visit enough in the nursing home.

I will put it on my list of errands and see him this week. He will like to see the kids too. Thank you.

Nice blog, very thoughtful, and nice pics too.

Anonymous said...

Oh, boy, this one really hit me. My great-aunt passed away in March, and I have lost four dear family members in the past five years. I'm going to have to take a look at this theme.

Lance said...

I see the walker folded up. It says to me - someone has taken the steps necessary to fold the walker up and walk on their own. Life is good!

Gabriel said...

First I thought it was a nursing home, and my first thoughts were 'sadness' and 'twilight' (as in the twilight of somebody's life).

Then I realized it was a hospital, and all I could think was 'work'. :-)

Thanks for dropping by!

Anonymous said...

The first words to cross my mind were "sad," "lonely," and "sick." Hospitals are amazing places... They're places of sadness AND joy. Reminded me of my mom and of my most recent visit - a good friend just had a baby girl!

It's a great "faded." And I agree, theme's choose you not the other way around...

Can't wait to see next week's theme - hope it's more cheerful!

kenju said...

It makes me remember back to last August, when mr. kenju had his stroke. He had to use a walker for many months before graduating to a cane, which he still uses (although he doesn't really need to).

Dianne - Bunny Trails said...

My grandma is in a nursing home and is very near to seeing Jesus. As in any moment. My mom's there with her now. She hasn't been awake or cognizant for a couple of days now.

Anonymous said...

I work in nursing homes. I meet the most amazing people. One day I met a WWII infantryman and a holocaust survivor who resided on different hallways. I introduced them. That was a beautiful moment.

Red Lotus Mama said...

As I have gotten older I am starting to see this view more. My grandparents, my husband's grandparents, family friends. This photo brings back memories of sounds and smells that seem to signify "the end". Thanks for the thought provoking photo.

Happy WW: http://tinyurl.com/6yd4jm

Rizza said...

I felt lonely looking at this picture, i really don't like being in a hospital. It makes me feel uncomfortable.

Robin said...

What a sad photo. To me it says endings, and loss, and sorrow. It reminds me of the days, and nights, we spent at my mother-in-law's bedside. It's a very powerful photo Carmi. One that stays with you.

Jan Parrish said...

Yes, we are going through that right here. I love that you are taking a memory shot. Mixed emotions. The photo says it all. Good photo journalism. My prayers are with you.

Happy WW! Come link with me.

chartao said...

Great photo..

it's never be good to visit the hospital..

Anonymous said...

the first thing that comes to mind are the words: "please, get well soon."

happy ww!

Milano
Mammoth Mountains

Bobkat said...

I don't like hospitals either. This photo made me very sad and doubly so because yesterday was the anniversary of my neices death where the family spent over half a day at the hospital waiting for her to pass away. Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments, btw. They were appreciated. Life goes on.

My WW on my photoblog is up. One day when I have some more time I'll join in your Thematic Photographic.

Anonymous said...

Faded lives is the perfect title for it...makes me think of the line: "is that all there is?"

Anonymous said...

I think of my great-grandmother, the last time I saw her, in her nursing home/hospital place.

Lady said...

It looks like the hallway of our house, currently. (Except I need to take a picture of my grandmother's awesome looking walker/scooter thing, because it's really nice!)

We've been in the hospital a lot lately because of my grandmothers' health. I know you drop by my blog often, but here are the two main links that explain (most) of what's been going on.

http://brokenfingernail.com/2008/07/31/family-affairs/
http://brokenfingernail.com/2008/09/05/dear-abby/

Anonymous said...

Aw, this photo makes me sad.. which means it's a great shot that invokes emotion. Nice.

Mojo said...

It reminds me of way way too many days and nights spent in rooms much like that one. And the many more I'll probably spend in the future.

And it reminds me that it's not how I want to leave this place. Nope. I'd much rather burn out than rust out. So in that way, it's motivational... even uplifting.

One thing's for certain, it's not an image you can ignore.

Anonymous said...

Taking a shot like this is sounds like something I would do and that my family would flinch about. But I often make them flinch.

Unfortunately, I have spent much time in rooms like this but so many times we escaped what seemed inevitable, so I see this as hopeful.

YellowRose said...

First thought, sad...then I thought where there is sadness there is hope.

Your photos always make us think, thank you for that.

Anonymous said...

It makes me think of that sinking feeling you have when you have to walk into the hospital room of someone you love. That person is suffering and you never know how bad it is going to be. The image you show here is the moment of truth as you enter and see for yourself what's happening.

Rainbow dreams said...

Sorry to say the first thing I recognised form your photo was the smell of hospitals...
too long spent working in them perhaps?

Jim said...

Hi Carmi, yes, sometimes those hospitals are very sad places. Nursing homes to me are even sadder.
Sorry I didn't get back sooner, we are preparing for Huricane Ike around here. It should come right over us, we are 60 miles north from the center of Houston.
Happy (late) WW!
..