MPW.66 / 2014 Twilight on Bradley Farm by Michelle Siu
Photographer
Michelle Siu Toronto, Canada

Team Eppridge

Recipient of the Team Eppridge Award
Story Summary

With his capable, trembling hands 94-year-old farmer Charles Bradley, referred to as “Mr. Charles,” continues to work on his 450-acre farm that has been in the family since 1883. He lives with his wife Mary, 93, who is often confused yet maintains a joyful spirit as much as is possible with her advanced dementia. They manage to live independently with the support of an attentive daytime caregiver. Their story is all-too-common, as small family farms lose their profitability and large-scale farming is becoming the norm. Yet what remains is Mr. Charles, who according to Mary, has never been “a rocking chair kinda guy.”