Writer: Debra
- Housewife, Mother, Artist, Writer, Inspirer, Encourager -
"Painting, drawing, photography and writing have been an integral part of my life. They have served as avenues of creativity allowing me to take time to be aware of who I really am and who others are as well.
"My greatest pleasure and joy has been, and will always be, the opportunity to have home-educated my four sons which I thank G-d and my husband for. Within that arena my sons actually educated me and still do. Definitely an unmatched experience of giving and receiving.
"As long as I can remember I've always had a heart to understand people inside-out, yearning to know what lies beneath the surface. Each generation has significance and is an asset for the future generations. Certain conditions and situations have masked the elderly along with their insights. Out of deep regret and concern Clay and I set out to unearth, reclaim and reveal the incredible voices of the elderly. We feel they lay stepping stones for future generations to build on. It is our desire that the words expressed and shared will bring meaning and fullness to the lives that they reach as well as bring honor and respect to those we had the privilege meeting. Experience is a teacher and the journey of life will always be the most enriched classroom. Truth lies in the depths. Taste and be encouraged to dig for yourselves of those teachers near and far. "
Photographer: Clay
- Son, Photographer, Web & Graphic Designer, Plumber, Lumberjack, Outdoorsman -
"Photography is a place where I can capture life one moment at a time and feel the beauty of G-d's creation from within, where I can listen and hear the silence and where I can see the unseen and touch the untouchable.
"When I am not taking photographs of G-d's creation, I enjoy being outdoors and using my hands to create things.
"The "Reflections of Wisdom" project originated from my mom. She started talking to me about the idea of visiting elderly people and gathering wisdom from them. Eventually we started taking action. It wasn't until we visited a couple of individuals that we realized just how much of a blessing this project would be. To listen to people share their story or something that they learned personally is simply amazing. You experience a sense of wonder and awe just by hearing how incredible each person's life has been. In each and every person you can see the hand of G-d working and refining. Some are filled with passion, love, understanding, joy and yet others regret. No matter who the person is, you can always see a "light" in them, whether it is very minute or beaming forth in every direction. Everyone has a G-dly light in them. Just some of us are still learning how to shine that light forth.
"I hope this site will be a blessing to whomever will read it. May the wisdom and thoughts generate ideas, and encourage you to listen and realize the knowledge surrounding you in other people, especially the elderly whom have lived through many experiences. l also encourage you to share your own voice.
"Through it all don't ever stop searching for the truth and always remember that there is hope in everything. Sometimes you just have to look at life from a different perspective."