THE LADY WHO PAINTS IT PINK
D
onna C. Lawrence is an eighty-year-young woman who has reimagined and recreated her own life.
My conversation with Donna C. Lawrence took place while I was in Mississippi visiting with my eighty-three-year-old aunt, who'd suffered a stroke three months earlier. My husband and I went to take her home—to help her reacclimate to being in her own home again. We were there for a month, and, according to my aunt, "No one will take better care of me than you and Rick." I said, "No, Auntie. That's not true. You're going to fully recover and take care of yourself again." But I couldn't help but notice the contrast between her and Donna—who is eighty years old, thin and energetic, with goals she is excited about. My aunt loved her career as the librarian at Rust College, and only retired just two years ago. Now, she lives a sedentary lifestyle, she's overweight and she says she has no goals. Nevertheless, I must admit, my aunt seemed to get more life-force energy while Rick and I were there. At least for that, I am grateful, and who knows, maybe she will discover a new passion. I met Donna C. Lawrence at the age of seventy-six, when her sister Paige reached out to me on her behalf for some personal excellence and lifestyle coaching. Right away, I liked her—because she loves to laugh. She even enjoys “laughter yoga,” which I knew nothing about until Donna educated me on it. As I was coaching her, I learned so much. The most important takeaway was really a reinforcement of something I already ascribe to: Age ain't nothing but a number!
FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | NOV/DEC 2022 | 70
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