In the image of God
Older adults embrace art and life as members of the community of faith at Upland (Calif.) Manor
"Silhouettes capture your unique likeness in a realistic profile,” explains shadow-portrait artist Linda Baker to her audience at Upland Manor, a Brethren in Christ-affiliated Christian senior living facility located in Upland, Calif.
Reviving an art form dating back to the 18th century Linda will be cutting out the silhouettes of four residents at the Manor. Her easel, with black construction paper and plain white newspaper print attached, as well as the needed spotlight have been set up at one end of the dining room. Other residents, family members, and friends have gathered around the circular tables to look on as the portraits take shape.
The artist’s first two subjects are her parents, Lester and Ruth Mosebrook. Married in 1943, on a six-day leave Lester had from the U. S. Navy, the Mosebrooks are the eldest married couple at the Manor. Walking enthusiasts, Lester and Ruth can be found daily in the Community Room, each walking for a
half-hour on the treadmill. “The opportunity for consistent exercise,” Lester affirms, “is just one of the benefits of living at the Manor.”
As the artist holds up her parents’ completed silhouettes, applause erupts from everyone in attendance. The authenticity of the likenesses is almost breathtaking: Ruth’s mind-of-their-own curls, Lester’s glasses atop his angular nose…
As the next subject, Maria Mendoza, takes her seat in front of the backdrop, the artist instructs, “Look straight ahead. Don’t turn your head to the right or the left.”
Maria Mendoza came to the United States from Honduras by herself when she was just 16 years old. Today, Maria is the mother of three grown children and grandmother of six grandchildren. She is also in her 35th year in the medical profession, practicing as a medical phlebotomist for the last 25 of those years.
“Big time!” is the expression Maria coined to describe the difference her conversion to Christ six years ago made in her life. “When you come to Christ, you are a new creature. He’s there 24–7 for you.” In summarizing her residence at Upland Manor over the last year and a half, Maria says, “I just love it here! It’s so peaceful. Christ is the Guest of Honor wherever you meet.”
In summarizing her life as a whole, Maria finds expression in her native Spanish, “¡Hay esperanza en Jesus!” There is hope in Jesus!
As the artist holds up Maria’s completed silhouette, applause again bursts from everyone in the room. Maria’s long eyelashes and neat bun, the dignity in the way she holds her head… It’s all there.
Philip Chu, a second-generation resident of Upland Manor, is the artist’s final subject. Phil’s parents, Frederick and Charlotte Chu, lived at Upland Manor for 25 years. In association with the Christian Alliance Church, Philip’s father was active in the planting of six Chinese-speaking churches in Southern California. Philip’s brother, Andrew, was a member of the last class to graduate from Upland College in 1965.
For Phil, an industrial engineer, living at Upland Manor offers a community affirming his commitment to Christ. “We have something that binds us together—that’s Jesus,” he states.
As the evening comes to a close, the artist signs each of the four unique silhouettes with a phrase from Genesis 5:1: “Created in the likeness of God.”
True, beyond a shadow of a doubt.
For more information on Upland Manor, visit www.uplandmanor.com or contact Leon & Dorcas Engle, managers of Upland Manor, at 866.721.3623.
Dorcas Lady Good and husband, Dennis, attend the Upland (Calif.) Brethren in Christ Church. A career instructor in English and drama, Dorcas holds a B.A. in Speech from the University of Iowa (Iowa City) and an M. A. in Theater from California State University, Los Angeles. The couple moved to Upland Manor in December 2009.
