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11 images Created 7 Jul 2021

60 Years and counting...

The love between Judy and Ray Shick has withstood the test of time on Lord Howe Island. During 60 years of marriage, the two raised their three children, marking five generations on the small island 600 kilometres off the east coast of Australia. A year ago, when the couple learned that Ray, 92, had dementia, Judy, 80, had to choose between leaving the island or taking on the responsibility of Ray’s care. She did not hesitate to keep him home. “It’s just what many families do on an island with limited health care available for the aging population,” Judy said. She does the best she can to make life enjoyable for her husband, a former guide on Mount Gower, which rises from the foothills behind their home. Today, Judy provides a daily regimented routine and structure for Ray. “We made this commitment in sickness and in health,” Judy said. “And now is the time for the sickness, after such a fulfilling life”.

This story was developed during the first online version of the 72nd Missouri Photo Workshop in 2020.
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  • At seven in the morning, Judy helps Ray get up for the day. With the onset of dementia and two recent hip replacements, Judy provides full-time care for her husband of 60 years. The painting shows Ray in his 20s and a framed photograph features Mount Lidgebird, one of two peaks at the southern end of Lord Howe Island near the Shick residence. 
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  • After witnessing Ray's fall through the shower door, Judy made modifications in the bathroom to ensure his safety. “When this started, I knew there was going to be a next stage,” Judy said.  “I’ve organized changes to the house and made changes to our diet.” Specially designed handrails add support and a wooden platform now covers the recessed floor. Ray can safely sit in comfort while being washed by Judy. 
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  • Ray's ability to shave has declined, so Judy helps. To start the process, Judy places soap and a razor and shaving brush into a container. Ray applies the soap and completes most of the shave. Judy then feels Ray’s face with her hand to make sure he hasn’t missed any areas. If he has, then she will go over it for him. 
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  • Before breakfast every other day, Ray takes his medication - mostly multivitamin supplements. Judy believes that a healthy lifestyle and diet may contribute to a better quality of life for Ray.  
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  • Judy prepares breakfast for the two of them. The first meal of the day usually consists of a variety of food such as stewed apples or mashed banana. Heated semolina - purified wheat middlings - with milk and honey from the Shick’s local hive has also become one of their staples. “When Ray had to fly to the mainland to have a hip replacement 12 months ago and I saw the hospital food, I thought surely we can do better than that.” Judy said.
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  • Ray raises one of his favorite cups to his mouth to eat warm semolina, milk and honey for breakfast. The Shicks have always lived off their crops. “Ray would ask ‘what’s for dinner tonight?’ and I’d say ‘well, what’s in the garden?”’ Judy said.
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  • After breakfast, Ray gets up and moves into the morning sun on the back porch. Ray now needs to use a walking frame after his hip operations. A nurse from the hospital usually makes a weekly visit to the couple’s residence to check up on them. “I’ve told the hospital they don’t need to visit every week,” Judy said. “Once a month would be ok. I’m keeping an eye on him.” 
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  • Judy watches Ray set off for a short walk down the driveway of the Shick’s 100-year-old residence nestled at the foot of the iconic cloud-catching peaks of Mount Lidgebird and Gower. Like his father, Ray ran guided tours up Mount Gower twice a week for visiting tourists, which he passed onto his son Jack in 1997, who now follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. 
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  • On a Friday evening with the setting sun reflected on the glass entryway of Judy and Ray’s house, Judy prepares dinner for her two sons Malcolm and Jack. The family joins hands and gives thanks before they eat the meal that Judy has prepared. They eat pumpkin soup, garlic bread and freshly caught bluefish on this night. Many island residents participate in the Seventh-Day Adventist church community. 
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  • Ray and Judy prepare dessert with their son Jack during their weekly Friday evening meal. Old photos of Ray hang on the dining room wall. Malcolm and Jack live in separate houses on the Shick property.  “It’s good to have the boys so close and can come and see us to catch-up.’ Judy said.
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  • Judy finds a rare moment to relax towards the end of the day in the living room. Quiet moments are fleeting for Judy, who is always working to keep on top of their daily routine, which usually finishes around 7 p.m. “We have always treasured the simple things,” said Judy. “We never had anything flashy, but plenty of time together, it’s important to have someone special in your life.”
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