89-year-old sketches self portrait

By Joan Janzen

Everyone possesses different abilities and talents, no matter how old or young you are. This became apparent the day Kindersley resident Sally Paslawski was presented with a hand-drawn sketch. The drawing was a self-portrait her husband had drawn; Sally’s husband is 89 years of age and resides in Heritage Manor.’

For the last few decades, Walter Paslawski has suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and, more recently, from Alzheimer’s. His combined challenges of unsteady hands and memory loss make his recent work of art an amazing accomplishment.

Sally said Walter used to sketch to entertain his grandchildren and would primarily sketch animals. This time he drew his self-portrait entirely by memory.

“One of the staff members gave it to me; they couldn’t believe it!” Walter’s wife said. The drawing was an encouraging gift for Sally, who just recently moved from the farm to her Kindersley apartment.

PHOTO: 89-year-old Walter Paslawski, who is a resident at Heritage Manor, drew his self-portrait entirely from memory. The sketch bears an accurate resemblance to this photo of Walter.