What started as a treatment for a neurological disorder ultimately became a gift…and one that keeps on giving.
More than 45 years ago, David Boxell developed some health issues that were difficult to diagnose. They were ultimately determined to be a neurological disorder similar to multiple sclerosis. The symptoms, which include stuttering, shaking, and losing balance, worsen when he is under stress. Early on, David was on numerous medications. A doctor suggested he become more attuned with his own body, pay attention to his nerves and fine muscles, and treat his condition holistically and organically without all the medications. “He taught me to concentrate through meditation. He also encouraged me to get a hobby where I could get a feeling for my fine muscles and nerves and how to control them,’ he said.
A Steady Hand
At his doctor’s suggestion, David took up photography. It made sense, he explained. “I can’t take pictures unless I hold perfectly still, and it takes concentration and control to do so. I started with an old-fashioned Brownie camera. More recently, I’ve been using a small handheld camera, which helps me to focus on keeping the camera as steady as possible.” Photography continues to help him function well with his illness without medication.
David, who has always loved nature, said that his new hobby led him to fall in love with taking pictures of animals and birds. The result, he said, is that photography became his passion in addition to an essential method of therapy.
But he’s found it didn’t end there. His photography, he found, makes people happy, stirs memories and beautifies the walls of his community.
David and his wife Jane, who lived in Western Springs for 45 years, made the decision three years ago to move to King Bruwaert House (KB House) senior living community in Burr Ridge. “We wanted to be somewhere where we could live independently but have access to care if needed. If you’re staying in your home rather than moving to a senior living community and you develop health issues, you might lose your option to move where you choose. We looked at the cottages, The Woods of KB House, and were thrilled with what we saw,” he said. “We moved here in 2021, and three months ago, my wife, who’d started developing dementia, moved into memory care at KB House. She’s getting excellent and loving care. The staff is wonderful. I’m easily able to walk over and spend the day with her as often as we’d like.”
Spreading the Joy and Stirring Memories
David, who is self-taught at photography, said he’s entered a few contests through the years and has done “really well. I thought maybe people could enjoy seeing my pictures. When we first moved here, I brought some into the restaurant, and people liked them. Then sharing them became something I looked forward to doing,” he said. “When you retire, you wonder about what you’re continuing to contribute to others. I had worked professionally in personnel at Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company for many years and liked being able to help people. After I shared my photos at the bistro here, I went home with that great feeling that I’d added to peoples’ joy.”
David said he then brought some of his photos to share with a friend living in memory care. “Holy cow, did that open him up to talking and smiling! It blossomed. Jane enjoyed them so much, too. I started enlarging pictures for her, and she’d take them, handle them, and smile. It was amazing. She’d lost the ability to find words she wanted to use but when she had the pictures, she’d talk about them. I asked a psychiatrist, and he acknowledged that pictures and songs are things that stir memories.’ I take pictures now to other residents in memory care, too. Some residents will see me and ask to see my pictures.”
Beautifying His Community
David said that KB House started hanging many of his photos around the building. “There are some in healthcare, and I found out through some of the people working there that the residents like seeing them. It puts me in heaven. I’m contributing. It’s a great feeling. I’m not artistic, and I’ve never been into the arts. I never would have anticipated this, but it brings people joy, and so it brings me joy and makes me feel like I’m contributing.”
The Perfect Setting
“The KB House 35-acre wooded campus is magnificent, and David’s photos capture the majesty of the natural settings. It’s special to have the talents of a resident showcasing the beauty of the campus throughout the building,” said Mark Zullo, senior director of sales and marketing. “Furthermore it’s wonderful to have him sharing his photos with the residents who love seeing them!”
David said that KB House provides abundant opportunities for him to pursue his passion/therapy. “It’s like nowhere else; the gardens, the trees, the paths and trails and grounds, and Katherine Legge Memorial Park adjacent to us. It’s beautiful. There are so many places to enjoy nature and take photos.”
