AN ODE TO JOY
Joy Middleton, at 52. She was seeing me for the first time in 28 years. Photo © 2015, Doug Wicken
I was introduced to Joy Middleton in 1978. I was documenting social services in Kitchener-Waterloo and arrived for my first shoot at Sunbeam Home (now Sunbeam Centre). Joy was the first client I photographed at 6:00 a.m. She was not happy about being awakened by her PSW.
Joy was 15 years-old at the time. I was a 36-year-old photographer embarking on a new project. Initially I intended to photograph many of the clients, but it was Joy who captured my interest. She loved the camera being pointed at her, almost as much as she loved her dolly.
Over the years I continued to visit Joy and take photos of her until 1987, when I accepted a teaching position at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario, where I remained until my retirement in 2015. I returned to Kitchener-Waterloo following my retirement.
Upon leaving the college, I mentioned to Patti Gower, the person replacing me, that I may still have another photo essay in me. She reminded me that I still had one story that I had never completed. Patti, incidentally, was a student of mine in the first class I taught at the college. She recalled a photo essay of mine that was ‘in progress’ when she was a student.
“The story of the young woman in Sunbeam Home,” she described. “You must finish that. I think her name was Joy.”
Once settled into my new place, I inquired at Sunbeam Centre about the status of Joy. I secretly worried that Joy may not be around any longer. The receptionist remembered me taking photos 28 years before.
“Yes,” she answered, “Joy is very much still with us. I’m sure she would love to see you again.”
Arrangements were made for my visit. I entered Joy’s room. She was sitting in her chair with her back to me. Her PSW said, “Joy. Look who’s here.” They turned her chair around and Joy’s face broke out in a broad smile. She extended her arms to be embraced.
“She remembers you,” the PSW said.
Since I returned to Kitchener-Waterloo, I’ve had several opportunities to add new photos to the project. Unfortunately, COVID struck in 2020, and more than two years passed. Realizing that Joy would be turning 60 in September 2023, I decided to photograph her on that occasion. (I will be turning 81 the same week). I attempted to reach out for information but received no replies. Finally, I resorted to googling Joy’s name, only to discover her obituary. She passed in March 2022.
I’ve been looking through the photos I’ve taken of Joy over the years. Many of them bring me wonderful memories of a truly ‘joyful’ person. Sometimes, when I experienced some of my own trials of life, I purposely visited Joy. She always greeted me with a smile that lifted up my heart.
For more photographs from my Ode to Joy project, visit: http://www.dougwicken.net/ode-to-joy-1978current.