I remember Lila coming into the (yarn) shop while she was on call for our local volunteer ambulance corps. She was working on a sweater for her new grandbaby and needed help. Clearly she was impressive in her uniform (complete with static-y walkie-talkie and official jacket) because I remember exactly which yarn and pattern she was using.
Three years later when I learned that she was moving in two doors down from me I knew we were getting, yet another, wonderful addition to our neighborhood. Every time I get a chance to talk to Lila I learn something new about her. I know that her children are grown and living in other states and that she is a proud grandmother and a widow. But these aren’t the things that are foremost in my mind when I think of her. To me, Lila is the serious but smiling woman who always stops to say hello and share a conversation. She is the woman who lets the neighborhood kids walk her dogs and offers aid when your child skins their knee. She seems most comfortable when she is outdoors and has striking blue eyes.
She recently took up Tai Chi, and it was this which perhaps more than anything else, opened up a window on Lila’s personality to me. The idea that work, hobbies, continued self-discovery and lifelong learning do not have to end on any particular birthday seem to be paramount when you talk to Lila. She is not defined by her age or her any of the things she has already done. She is all about what is still to come in her life. What an inspirational concept!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Amy, I’ve enjoyed, but not commented, all your fascinating profiles. What you say about each of them, says a lot about you. I jumped in today, because I volunteer to teach Tai Chi, twice a week to seniors. I’m a senior, too, and know Tai Chi one of the best exercises for us, because it deals with balance. Good for Lila, and good for you for posting these wonderful profiles.
I love this one. Lila reminds me so much of my grandfather. He has redefined age for me also. He takes Tai Chi and enrichment classes at the local community college, and he plays golf every day at 91! What a wonderful role model. I love seeing people breaking stereotypes and moving beyond what others think they should be doing.
I like Lila.
i like lila too. i love the concept of being all about what is to come or where we stand in the present.
amy, every woman you have made a portrait of has been amazing in one way or another, amazing in this physical world but also amazing in the effect she has had on indirectly asking me to think about something in a different way. i have learned something about women, community, humanity and myself through each one. after viewing the portraits i could write a dissertation of my reaction to each one. this is extraordinary art. in my opinion good art needs emotional power and this project has it.