|
"Jerry" Smallwood, my second patient in the Hospice Project, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He is attentive, makes good eye contact, and seems to relate to which is addressed to him, especially gesture and body language, but appears unable to acknowledge or answer in any coherent way. My visits have consisted in speaking with his wife Jane about their life, taking photographs, and sketching.
What struck me immediately about Jerry is his extremely active and versatile life and career, which has included the law, mathematics, flying airplanes, business, and bridge playing to a highly accomplished level. Just one of these occupations would fill another man's life. What follows is a list of Jerry's activities provided to me by his wife Jane.
Gerald Earnest Smallwood was born in Staunton, Virginia, on May 9, 1929, to the Reverend Lester Hamill Smallwood and Dorothy Barnes Smallwood.
Attended Lovington High School, where he excelled in baseball and basketball.
Attended the Virginia Military Institute, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Joined the US Air Force, where he got a BS in Aeronautical / Mechanical Engineering, reaching the rank of Captain in active duty, and Major in the Air Force Reserve.
In 1957 and 1958 Jerry received a Masters Degree in Mathematics from the University of Alabama (Pi Mu Epsilon, National Mathematics Honorary Society). At the University of Alabama he became a Graduate Assistant in Mathematics.
Law Degree (LL B) from the Washington and Lee School of Law in 1961, becoming a Class Officer, an Officer of the Law Fraternity (Phi Alpha Delta), a member of the Board of Governors, and of the W & L National Moot Court Team. He was the author of the Law Review Comment on the Constitutionality of Fair Trade Acts, published in 1961.
In 1975 he married his second wife Jane, to whom he is married today.
From 1970 to 1977 Jerry Smallwood flew as a pilot for Overseas National, a charter airline.
In 1984 he received a MBA from George Washington University, afterward becoming a financial annalist and consultant.
In 1989 Jerry and Jane moved to the Outer Banks, where, besides his legal and business activity, Jerry joined Jane in developing exceptionally high skills at the game of bridge. They both became Silver Life Masters, teaching and directing duplicate bridge and traveling around the country to participate in top bridge tournaments. Jerry was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003, and in 2006 a stroke further affected his ability to communicate. Jane still teaches and directs duplicate bridge today.
What strikes me as really remarkable is the fact that life doesn't seem to have slowed down for Jerry and Jane Smallwood. Their home by the sea in Southern Shores is a peaceful oasis in a flurry of constant activity. They have both participated in the Outer Banks Senior Games for many years now, Jerry until fairly recently. Every day he accompanies Jane everywhere she travels to meet her busy schedule, engaged, besides her bridge activities, in dancing and teaching dance as a member and co-founder of the Wright Tappers, a group of senior women appearing in recitals and shows around the community. Twice a week Jerry attends the GEM senior activity group directed by Gail Sonneso.
As I hope to continue working with them, their past and present life will constantly inspire me as a shining example of superior human engagement and will.
|
