My husband and I met Mrs. Dorothy 30 years ago when we moved into our first home. Her friends lovingly call her Perky Butt; and if you live in North Little Rock's Lakewood area, you’re likely to have seen her walking laps around the lake. Every morning, she is on a mission to get her 5 miles — not even her scoliosis can stop her.
I pulled up to her house to photograph her and found her in the front yard, leaf blower in tow, working on a pile of leaves. I suggested we hire someone, but she quickly replied, "Honey, what would I do then.. sit in that house all day?” Then, she shared that being a widow is seen as carrying a sad burden around and how it can be a barrier when meeting new people. She doesn’t want pity; she’s living life on her own terms.
At 95, I want to be like her.
I pulled up to her house to photograph her and found her in the front yard, leaf blower in tow, working on a pile of leaves. I suggested we hire someone, but she quickly replied, "Honey, what would I do then.. sit in that house all day?” Then, she shared that being a widow is seen as carrying a sad burden around and how it can be a barrier when meeting new people. She doesn’t want pity; she’s living life on her own terms.
At 95, I want to be like her.