New found passion for photography, birds mends retiree's broken spirit
18.05.12
Sally White sat before her television and computer every day, suffering from bad knees and chronic pain.
She and husband Paul had raised three children. He drove the school bus and she was the school secretary for 40 years before retiring.
Her big plans to garden, volunteer and frolic with grandchildren were gone. She was depressed.
And the colorful migrating birds flew unnoticed through the timber of their Greene County acreage every spring.
Until one day Paul handed his wife her coat.
Were going for a ride, said Paul.
He suspected she wouldnt go. She didnt want to go anywhere anymore.
I gave up, Sally said.
After her 2002 retirement, her knees grew worse until she had a double knee replacement. That didnt ease her pain, which became chronic. By this day in 2007, she needed a wheelchair for a trip of any length.
Paul stood there, waiting, not giving up.
And bring that camera, he said of the Canon Rebel Sallys children had given her for retirement that gathered dust on a shelf. Maybe you will see something.
Source: DesMoinesRegister.com