The Projector: A Grand-Nephew's Love For Auntie Dorothy - Honolulu Civil Beat

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The Projector: A Grand-Nephew’s Love For Auntie Dorothy

Several days a week, Eugene Hopkins spends many hours in a one-bedroom Punchbowl apartment caring for his 97-year-old grand aunt, Dorothy Meadows, who has dementia but responds with smiles to his bellowing voice and general good nature.
By Cory Lum / November 13, 2015
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  • <p>A photo collage in Dorothy Meadows’ Punchbowl apartment includes images of her late husband, Walt Meadows. The two would sit and hold hands every day — he’d even kiss her hand before leaving to go the bathroom, says grand-nephew Eugene Hopkins.</p>

    A photo collage in Dorothy Meadows’ Punchbowl apartment includes images of her late husband, Walt Meadows. The two would sit and hold hands every day — he’d even kiss her hand before leaving to go the bathroom, says grand-nephew Eugene Hopkins.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>Dorothy, 97, has dementia. She arises each day about 11 a.m. ready to stretch her legs with the help of one of her three caregivers. One of them is her grand-nephew, Eugene Hopkins, 42.</p>

    Dorothy, 97, has dementia. She arises each day about 11 a.m. ready to stretch her legs with the help of one of her three caregivers. One of them is her grand-nephew, Eugene Hopkins, 42.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>Eugene is her primary caregiver and is with her several days a week. He starts her day by massaging her feet.</p>

    Eugene is her primary caregiver and is with her several days a week. He starts her day by massaging her feet.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>When it’s time for her to get out of bed, Eugene’s bellowing voice and humorous candor propel her as much as his helping hands.</p>

    When it’s time for her to get out of bed, Eugene’s bellowing voice and humorous candor propel her as much as his helping hands.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>He helps her walk to the bathroom, where he gets her cleaned up for breakfast. Dorothy has some arthritis in her lower back, but no other physical problems.</p>

    He helps her walk to the bathroom, where he gets her cleaned up for breakfast. Dorothy has some arthritis in her lower back, but no other physical problems.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>Breakfast comes in a bowl, psyllium mixed with water and topped off with four Vienna sausages pureed by Eugene with a hand blender.</p>

    Breakfast comes in a bowl, psyllium mixed with water and topped off with four Vienna sausages pureed by Eugene with a hand blender.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>Dorothy’s view of her daily breakfast concoction.</p>

    Dorothy’s view of her daily breakfast concoction.

    Cory Lum/CIvil Beat
  • <p>Eugene serves up the psyllium/sausage puree …</p>

    Eugene serves up the psyllium/sausage puree …

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>… finishing with a napkin and a question: “Hey Auntie, you want a kiss?”</p>

    … finishing with a napkin and a question: “Hey Auntie, you want a kiss?”

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>Dorothy enjoys a laugh as Eugene clowns around. His antics often elicit a nod and a tooth-free smile from her.</p>

    Dorothy enjoys a laugh as Eugene clowns around. His antics often elicit a nod and a tooth-free smile from her.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat
  • <p>She goes in and out of sleep frequently, and sometimes naps with her eyes open.</p>

    She goes in and out of sleep frequently, and sometimes naps with her eyes open.

    Cory Lum/CIvil Beat
  • <p>Nov. 5, 2015: Auntie Dorothy rests on her bed before starting her day with Eugene.</p>

    Nov. 5, 2015: Auntie Dorothy rests on her bed before starting her day with Eugene.

    Cory Lum/Civil Beat

About the Author

  • Cory Lum
    Cory Lum
    Cory Lum is the chief photographer for Civil Beat. You can reach him by email at clum@civilbeat.org.
    Use the RSS feed to subscribe to Cory Lum's posts today
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