Artist Focuses on Herself & Healing in Yosemite Thanks to a Road Scholar Caregiver Grant
For generations, artists have been drawn to Yosemite National Park for its incredible natural beauty and spectacular vistas like Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome. With sparkling waters, inspiring mountains and a host of wildlife that calls this park home, it’s no surprise that Road Scholar Wendy dreamed of exploring Yosemite.
Wendy had never visited Yosemite. She studied architecture at University of California, Berkeley, and had always dreamed of experiencing this national park’s natural beauty and drama.
Yosemite National Park, CA
“I spent much of my career as an architecture editor at various design magazines,” says Wendy. “I traveled the country working with photographers, art directing interior design projects and writing stories. I loved working with photographers and taking my own pictures. I am never without a camera or iPhone.”
When her husband, John, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Wendy became his primary caregiver. “Whenever I have had a chance to travel, John would coincidentally seem to end up in the hospital, and I would have to cancel my plans,” says Wendy.
Wendy knew she needed some respite. “My friend Phyllis had been on several Road Scholar trips and learned about the Caregiver Grants, and she encouraged me to participate. Reading through the catalog was the ultimate in armchair travel and after earmarking several trips, Yosemite and photography was the clear choice,” she says. “There was nothing more I would rather do than spend time in Yosemite with other Road Scholars learning, photographing and experiencing its beauty.”
Wendy applied for a Caregiver Grant and received word of her award in June of 2023 — while deep in her caregiving duties — to attend Road Scholar’s Photograph Yosemite: Capturing Waterfalls, Cliffs and Domes. Wendy described caregiving as a marathon. “It was hard to for me to take time for myself,” she says.
“The hardest part was planning to get on the plane and do something for myself. No matter how much I was encouraged, it was still challenging,” she says. “Self-care is essential, and the Road Scholar Caregiver Grant made me feel seen, valued and supported.” Sadly, John passed five months before Wendy’s scheduled program in April 2024.
Wendy
During her adventure in Yosemite, Wendy was delighted to put her love for photography to use as she received instruction from an expert photography instructor and marveled in the beauty of Yosemite’s natural wonders.
Wendy appreciated their instructor’s deep knowledge of Yosemite. “She led us to a waterfall at the perfect time to capture a rainbow — a moment that will always be etched in my memory,” she says. “I also gained a wealth of knowledge about filters, apertures and my camera, enhancing my photography skills significantly.”
“Our instructor was generous with her time and knowledge of photography and Yosemite, which made the trip really special,” says Wendy. “I had been looking forward to the trip for over a year, and it kept me more optimistic knowing I had this planned, and that the Road Scholar community supported me.”
Wendy is grateful to Road Scholar and the generous donors who make Caregiver Grants possible. “Caregiving is physically and financially draining. Having the chance to go on a trip of my choice — and feeling supported and valued by the Road Scholar community — made a lasting difference in my life.
“It was truly a dream come true. Not only because Yosemite was on my forever list of dreams, but also because spending a week focused on photography is a source of joy. This experience with Road Scholar was exceptional,” says Wendy.
Wendy emphasizes how essential self-care is when providing for a loved one. “The rule to ‘put your mask on first before others' seems trite, but it is true,” she says. “If you take care of yourself, you will be better able to provide sound care for your loved one post-travel.”
She found this Road Scholar learning adventure very healing. “It allowed me to focus on myself,” she says. “It also allowed me to explore a topic I am passionate about, engage with others and learn more about the Road Scholar community.”
Since returning from her Road Scholar program, Wendy finds the personal self-care, connection to Yosemite and the lessons she learned in photography enriching in many ways. She also enjoys taking photos in a more educated way.
As a caregiver for so long, Wendy always had John’s well-being in mind. “But the chance to focus on my passion, experience a new place and learn was a life-changing experience for me,” she says.
Learn more about Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grants for yourself or someone you know on our website.