Written by Glenn King, Wenatchee Walk to End Alzheimer’s Participant

Amidst the soft hues of an early morning sunrise, I find myself standing by the window, my gaze fixed upon the old oak tree in the backyard. Its branches sway gently in the breeze, casting fleeting shadows on the grass below. The memories stir like whispers in the wind, carrying me back to the moments that define the essence of my relationship with my father, Duane.

My father, a man of countless stories and a heart full of passion, is my guiding light throughout life’s intricate journey. The bond we share is forged in the crucible of shared experiences and the common thread of photography that runs through our lives.

Dementia has stealthily crept into my father’s mind, weaving a complex tapestry of forgetfulness and confusion. It is as though the memories he has captured through his lens are slipping through his fingers, lost in the labyrinth of his mind. Yet, amidst the fading memories, his love for photography remains an unextinguished ember.

A master of the craft, my father has spent six decades painting stories with light. In the vibrant tapestry of his life, he has been an Arabian Horse photographer, his images speaking of the elegance and power of those magnificent creatures. The 80s saw him rise as one of the top photographers in the field, a recognition that carved his name into the annals of equine artistry. The world marveled at his wedding photography, his lens capturing the raw emotions of couples starting their journey together. His wife was his partner every step of the way, sharing their passion for travel while making people happy.

And then, in the twilight years of his career, he turned his attention to flowers. The lens that witnessed galloping horses and tearful vows now focuses on delicate petals; each click of the shutter capturing the essence of nature’s beauty. His Etsy store has become a digital gallery, showcasing his still life compositions to the world.

It is during my own retirement that I decide to step into his world. Photography, the passion we share, becomes the bridge that connects us even closer. Our Etsy store is our joint venture, a testament to the enduring power of art and family. We spend hours discussing compositions, critiquing each other’s work, and cherishing the camaraderie that only a shared passion can foster.

One summer, under the vast Wyoming sky, we embarked on a photography class together in the Grand Tetons. Twelve days of blissful togetherness that exceed all our hopes. Against the backdrop of majestic peaks and shimmering lakes, we fine-tune our skills, capturing nature’s poetry with our lenses. These days are a symphony of laughter, shared secrets, and the unspoken understanding that binds us beyond words.

As I stand here by the window, lost in the tapestry of memories, a tear traces its path down my cheek. The sun rises higher, casting its warm glow upon the oak tree, and it feels as if my father’s spirit is gently whispering through its rustling leaves. Dementia may have dimmed the vibrant colors of his memories, but the imprint he has left on my heart remains as vivid as ever. Our photographs, frozen moments in time, will forever speak of the love between a father and a son who see their world through a shared lens.

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Get a print and support the cause!

Glenn’s father is living in the early stages of dementia. Their Etsy store has been a place for Glenn’s father to engage in posting and selling his images to keep him sharp and to help him fully enjoy every day.

Glenn’s wife’s mother and aunt also had Alzheimer’s, so this cause is very close to their heart. They are passionate about the fight to end Alzheimer’s and are hosting a special fundraiser to support the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

As a fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, between now and September 23rd, they are offering a special code on their Etsy store.

Special code 2023WALK will give you 50% off any size image AND they will donate $20 for every purchase of ANY SIZE in the name of the buyer.

Every photograph is accompanied by a story which y ou can view on each photos etsy page.

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About the Author & Photographers

Glenn King

“I plan to keep the wonder and curiosity of my inner child alive and well in everything I do. I love dad jokes and t-shirts with funny sayings (with my wife rolling her eyes with each new shirt).

A comic once said, “You can’t have everything, where would you put it?” I may run out of room for my shirts, but our minds are infinite, and I plan to try and fill it up through reading and the pursuit of beauty, joy and laughter for the rest of my life. 

After retiring, I found my artistic side in photography. I worked in IT for 40 years.My work was great but not focused on creating Art.I want to capture the beauty of the world. I use my camera as a tool to express myself. 

My photography journey started when I took up photography to spend more time with my dad, who has been a photographer most of his life. In 2016 we went on a photo tour in the Grand Tetons. It was a wakeup call. I ruined many shots while freezing at 3am waiting for the sunrise.Since 2016, my photography has matured, and I work hard every day to improve my skills with the goal of capturing breathtaking images.My passion for photography has taken me to amazing places. I have seen and captured the beauty of nature, people, and architecture.”

Duane King

Duane is a lifelong photographer. He spent 20 years in the military, including 6.5 years with the White House Communications Agency.Duane has 10’s of 1000’s of images from his last 60 years of taking pictures of anything that moves him.He is excited to put his art online for everyone to enjoy.

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Join the Fight

With over 16 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across Washington and North Idaho, there are endless opportunities to get involved. Volunteer for a walk, start a team or donate at alz.org/walk. 

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