Lost in Lewy Body

This is an oil painting of my big sister Becky. She was diagnosed with 'Lewy Body Dementia' in 2010, at a time when most Doctors hadn't heard of it. The only time it could be diagnosed was during the autopsy before now. There are over a million cases recognized and several million more out there undiagnosed. The person implodes and go into themselves. The organs shut down and they have physical and cognitive issues. My sister had stopped talking, had to be fed and stopped walking. She would just sit in her chair and look at us with those big brown eyes. During my last visit with her decided to read to her out loud Shonda Rhimes book, 'The Year Of Saying Yes.' Could tell she was understanding part of it and laughed for first time while holding her stomach. When I came in the room she said; 'Hello Sister'. She gave me a hug, told me I was getting fat and we both laughed until the tears came. She was tall and thin, I wasn't, so it was a joke between us. That was the last time I heard her voice, felt her touch or saw her alive. This painting was my therapy so I could talk to her while painting. Gave me a chance to say goodbye to her, thanked her for being my big sister and appreciated everything she did in my life. She was in a different world so the purple chair and background seemed to fit at the time. She would fidget so we would give her that little pillow to occupy her hands. She passed in 2017, but still very alive to me in my heart. Her eyes follow me when walking by her painting. Recently exhibited it for the annual conference for the Mid-America Arts Alliance in Hot Springs, Arkansas at the HS National Park. Becky got attention from the attendees and the photo of her painting was on the front page of the paper a few days later, her first front page publicity. This portrait has given me the opportunity to tell people about LBD and what to expect for your loved one. Many people have it now and it is misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or just dementia. Ask your Doctor to check for it in your loved one. Enjoy your time with them and love and honor the time you have with them. Have done portraits all my life but none touched me like painting Becky.