Very interesting.
I've been thinking about your words as I behold this, and I find symbolism in the frame of a still functional body, and the fading and sad looking contents of the frame symbolizing a fading mind, due to illness. The vine appears to be healthy and growing, and possibly representing the glimmer of hope when sudden moments of clarity occur. Very well thought out, and a very worthy tribute to your friend. Well done!
Thank you Thomas. It was a difficult project to think through - so many possibilities, none of which seemed appropriate - when this idea just presented itself as I was sifting through a box of old "stuff." The frame with the missing image jumped at me and said "Go!"