Portraits of Healing: Celebrating the Gift of Hospice

Maria Langlais

Portraits of Healing: Celebrating the Gift of Hospice is a year-long traveling photography exhibit sponsored by Providence Hospice of Seattle.  

This poignant collection of photographs by Nancy Medwell serves to educate us about hospice care. Her artistry captures the beauty and the compassion of the end of life, and the deep connections of love and affection that families share at this time.

A career portrait photographer, Nancy has recently made end of life photography her life's work. "This is something I will continue to do because it is so important," she says.  

Nancy's work helps us change the way we look at the end of life to look at it not as a subject we should be afraid of, but as an essential part of life. It is an opportunity to connect with those closest to us and to embrace who they are.  

Nancy's sessions are typically received as gifts a present from a loved one. When faced with the knowledge that a loved one is terminally ill, the family wants to do something special to create a marker or a legacy, something that will endure. The portraits become that and more. 

Like the hospice program, the photo sessions and the finished photographs help with healing and moving into the next stage.  Physically, emotionally and spiritually, they enable the family to accompany their loved one on the journey. 

Without exception, Nancy's experience has been that families are very willing to participate in this process. Each session evolves in a different way, depending on the needs and dynamic of the family. It could be a question that Nancy poses to a family member, or a touch between family members, or simply giving someone the time to say their piece. Whatever opens up and unfolds in the process is the beauty. Nancy knows when her shot has captured that essence. And so do her subjects. 

The sessions provide her subjects with an opportunity for closure. They were able to share what they wanted with those they loved. They can now let go.  

The photographs also serve to honor the subject at this stage of life. Nancy says, "Everyone wants to be respected and honored. It's about honoring them at a given hour on a given day...honoring the moment."

The process of connecting during these final moments is emotionally and spiritually healing for the family. The photographs will endure as treasured memories of their most important relationships.

"Portraits of Healing" is showing at Seattle City Hall through February 5. Through the end of 2006, the exhibit will be open to the public at the following locations:

• Bellevue Square
  February 6-February 19, 2006
• Washington Mutual Tower, Seattle
  February 20-March 7, 2006
• Crossroads Bellevue
  March 8-April 7, 2006
• Seattle Repertory Theatre
  April 8-May 8, 2006
• Rainier Square, Seattle
  May 9-June 1, 2006
• Sea-Tac International Airport
  June-December 2006

For more information on Nancy Medwell's photography, contact her at 206-285-1649 or go to www.nancymedwell.com.