Mrs. Hooper

I met this woman at work who has the most beautiful personality I have ever seen. She has a spirit as alive as anyone of us yet she has seen more of life than we can even fathom.

Mrs. Hooper lost her husband about five years ago. She told me that about 5-6 years before he passed, she forced him to hire someone to do the taxes because he was always grumpy and mean around her birthday (April 12th).

Mrs. Hooper loves betta fish. She used to collect other things, but she has taken a liking to the betta fish because of their personalities. I think they fill a void in her life. She loves her son, but you can see a light has diminished since her husband died.

Old age is hard to come to terms with. Mrs. Hooper deals with feeling young, but then seeing herself in the mirror and wondering who that girl is looking back. I don't think she realizes the beauty that she exudes, despite her old age or back problems. In all honesty, I hope I can be like her one day. The fear of old age and losing the ones you love the most is hard, losing your abilities and independence is hard, but she is so graceful and I know she won't leave without a fight.

Mrs. Hooper is independent and strong. She is loving and fun and has a sense of humor that younger generations can't match.

Today I would like to share this because she is a life worth recognizing and if we are choosing role models, I suggest we consider Mrs. Hooper for the love she has shared and the life she brings to those around her. She has touched my life and I am thankful this holiday season to know her.