Photographers to Watch: Michelle Gabel
An image from photographer Michelle’ Gabel’s deeply moving project, "Anna and Norman," which offers a profound glimpse into the lives of a couple bound by love and challenged by Alzheimer's disease.
“Anna and Norman” by Michelle Gabel
In this month's "Photographers to Watch" profile, we shine a spotlight on the powerful and deeply moving work of Michelle Gabel, a documentary photographer and journalist based in Syracuse, New York. Michelle's lens serves as a window into the human experience, capturing stories that resonate with empathy and shed light on pressing social issues. Her project, "Anna and Norman," offers a profound glimpse into the lives of a couple bound by love and challenged by Alzheimer's disease.
Anna and Norman Salway's love story unfolds against the backdrop of their shared devotion to farming and each other. For 65 years, they worked side by side on the land until Norman's abrupt departure from the barn signaled the onset of Alzheimer's disease. “He came home across the lots and said, ‘That’s the last day I’m going to the barn,’ “Anna told Michelle. “He stopped driving before that. He told me there was something terribly wrong….All these years, he wasn’t sick or anything. Then, whammo!” Michelle's lens captures the tender moments of Anna's commitment to Noman as she becomes one of the 15.7 million family caregivers navigating the complexities of dementia in the United States. “He’s my husband,” Anna said. “Norman took care of me when I was sick and I’m taking care of him now.”
With Alzheimer's affecting nearly 7 million Americans and projected to rise, Michelle's work serves as a poignant reminder of the human faces behind the statistics. Through intimate portraits and candid moments, she invites viewers to confront the realities of caregiving and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
About the Photographer
Michelle Gabel’s photography is not just about capturing images; it's about telling stories that resonate with audiences on a deep and emotional level. Her long-form documentary projects delve into the intricacies of individual lives while shining a light on broader societal issues. She believes in the power of storytelling to foster empathy, provoke thought, and inspire action. Michelle is a member of Women Photograph and her work has appeared in various publications, including National Geographic, The New York Times, New York Magazine, USA Today, ESPN, Global Post and The Post-Standard. Her photography has been exhibited internationally as well as in the United States. You can see more of Michelle Gabel’s work on her website at https://www.michellegabelphoto.com or on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/michellemgabel/.
Anna and Norman Salway on their wedding day. The two were married for 65 years. Photo provided by Anna Salway.
Norman Salway, who was a farmer his whole life until he became ill with Alzheimer’s disease, eats the breakfast his wife, Anna, prepared for him. The daily pills Norman’s doctor prescribed wait for him on the table.
Anna visits the barn she and Norman had worked together in until Norman became ill with Alzheimer’s disease. “I come here to think,” Anna said. She hired help to take care of their few remaining beef cows. A few years after this photo was taken, she sold the cows.
Anna and Norman embrace in the kitchen of the home they share in Marietta, NY.
Norman asks Anna to cover him up with a blanket as his cousins visit.
Anna gives Norman a shave, something he often protests. Anna was determined to keep Norman in their home after the Alzheimers disease diagnosis.
Anna hangs laundry in front of the house she shares with Norman in Marietta, NY, where they farmed together until Norman became ill.
Anna abandons her own dinner to make sure that Norman eats his.
Anna and Norman fall asleep on the couch, where Norman sleeps. Norman suffers from "sundowning,” a state of confusion at the end of the day and into the night which causes him to become anxious. In Norman’s case, it leads to pacing and wandering throughout the night. Anna said it calms Norman down when she sits beside him.
Anna’s garden blooms outside the back door.
Anna collects flowers from her garden to put on the dining room table for her and Norman. Gardening is a source of pride and joy and a big stress reliever for Anna.
Anna and Norman take a walk with their cat to look at the flowers blooming in their yard. According to the National Institutes of Health, being in nature has possible benefits for Alzheimer’s patients, including improved mood and slower disease progression.
Anna works in the garden as Norman moves toward the house for a nap.
A respiratory infection sends Norman to the hospital.
Anna comforts Norman in the emergency room. He was treated for a respiratory infection and recovered in the hospital and a rehabilitation center.
Anna replaced the living room couch with a hospital bed as Norman’s condition worsened.
Anna sleeps in a chair next to Norman’s bed. She often gets little sleep.
Norman lies in his bed in the living room close to the end of his life.
Anna worries as Norman’s condition worsens.
Anna and Norman celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary a few weeks before Norman’s death. After 65 years of marriage, Norman died at home with Anna by his side.
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