I know this has little to do with photography, weddings, or portraits in general. In the end however, all of my photography is about people. Every so often I am left in awe of people, and specifically the way God uses people. This is one of those moments.
This afternoon I arrived at the Hilton in downtown Lexington, and received an unexpected blessing. The event I was shooting was for The Sanders-Brown Center on Aging (SBCoA) at UK. This event was to honor some very special people. The awards given out were known as the Dr. William R. Markesbery Senior Star Awards, and are given to those who exemplify graceful aging by remaining engaged in an active lifestyle.
It was a wonderful event, in which the great T.G. Shuck announced the honorees, and they, with help, made their way up to slowly and gracefully accept their awards. One woman had a powerful impact on me. As she slowly and painfully made her way up to the front to accept her award, T.G. announced one amazing feat after another. This woman was Ms. Lenora Kelly Olds, he informed us. She, being 88 years old, has for 25 years (almost my entire lifespan) directed “Fun Time with Lenora” on thursdays at an Owenton assisted living facility where she is as old as most of the residents. She also led the way, on her scooter, in several Relay for Life Survivor Walks. As her late husband, James, would say, “She kept the wheels hot traveling the roads for her volunteer work.”
All the others just walked up, took a picture and exited back to their tables. Ms. Lenora Kelly Olds simply stepped up with a big smile, and said only one thing.
“I’ll keep doin’ it as long as the Lord will let me.”
Then she humbly sat down with her pastor and her family and went on with her day. Thank you Ms. Lenora, I will too.
