Page 45 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2017- Online Magazine

“We try to develop the whole person
- social, emotional, intellectual, and
spiritual,” Henry explains. “Art gives
them a way to tell their story, which is
the most healing thing you can do.” It
is a prescription used by Jesus Himself
(Luke 8:39).

His face brightens as he mentions
Alfie Wheat, a quadriplegic, who When asked why he gives away such
paints with the whole motion of his an enormous slice of his life, Henry’s
arm as his mother moves the canvas voice becomes husky. “I do this
for him. And the paintings he creates because I want to see beauty develop
The passion and purpose of Henry’s are beautiful. At the Northwest Texas in the people whom we serve. Their
soul is more than the creation of Conference of the United Methodist beauty enriches my life.” And ours . . .
stunning art. Pastor Henry discovered Church last June, Alfie sold $950
exquisite beauty in people on the worth of paintings and greeting cards P.S. Dear Reader, don’t bury your gifts
periphery of life. . . the disabled. he made of the paintings. The money and talents with you. Find a place to
Some are crushed by grief, by physical is not for himself. Over the twelve impart the astounding abilities only you
maladies, spina bifida, fetal alcohol years Henry has worked with him, possess. Someone is looking for someone
syndrome, Downs Alfie has given like you.
Syndrome, “I want to see beauty develop away $7,600
quadriplegia, in the people whom we serve. to special
spasticity, deaf and Their beauty enriches my projects and
mute conditions, life.” to people in
flawed sensory heartbreaking
perception. They crises. At last,
come, teenagers and adults, with through art, Alfie has something to
fears, feelings, and losses. They come give. He has become a giver, even as
in wheelchairs and on walkers from God is a giver.
as far as Friona, Paducah, and all
around the Lubbock region. They One mother confided to Henry, “This
come because something magical is the only time my daughter is happy.
happens here. On any ordinary day, It is here that she smiles.” Henry tells
the Reverend Mr. Salley teaches these about Michael, who did a beautiful
angels unaware that they are co- painting and asked Henry to hide
creators with God. it for him. “What do you plan to do
with your painting?” Henry asked.
The boy grinned,
“I’m going to
give it to Mom
for her birthday.”
Henry framed the Medicare Supplements
painting himself,
and Michael gave David B. Lewallen
it to his mother. independent agent
She came to Henry
with tears. “That is 2815 74th St P.O. Box 53957
the first birthday lubbock, texas 79423 lubbock, texas 79453
gift he’s been able (806) 792-7510 fax (806) 799-8153
to create all by Doing business locally for over 38 years
himself.”

Lubbock Senior Link 45