89 Year Old Hands Raise Money for Meals On Wheels

May 23, 2009 - PRLog -- You would have liked Bob Coates’ Dad. Everyone did. He always shared a kind word and a brilliant smile. He loved to dance, attending four to six dances a week and he made sure to dance with every woman in attendance. A fellow resident at the retirement community where he lived described the day she met Bob’s father. “I ran into him in the elevator and was telling your Dad how much I missed dancing since my husband died. Next thing I know we were cutting a rug in the elevator and he danced me all the way to my door!”  Dad danced with tellers in the bank and clerks in stores. When his health started to fail he danced with the doctor, the X-ray technicians and receptionists.

Lest you think that dance was all he did, not so. As Yoda from Star Wars might say, “Very generous, was he.” He supported and volunteered at his church, donated monthly to numerous charities and at age 86 he joked he was still delivering Meals on Wheels, “To the old folks.”  He died at age 87 having danced the Friday before. His prayer card read, “I love everyone. I pray for everybody, even those who hurt me. I hope you’ll dance and think of me.” He will be missed…

Susan Barrington, Executive Director of the Sedona Community Center, was extremely moved by the image. “The image is inherently compelling…the colors are rich, the composition elegant and the subject so moving. I purchased one for my office as soon as I saw it,” said Susan. “The gracefully cradled bible represents the elder woman’s strength and comfort. A warmth and tenderness of spirit radiate from the ancient hands and worn fingers.  It is a testimony to a life lived with courage and conviction. I am reminded of so many of the homebound to whom we serve Meals on Wheels. It is an honor to serve these beautiful men and women. It is our responsibility and privilege to be part of their daily regimen. I have yet to deliver to one person that has failed to surprise me with their patience, humility, insight and truths. I am always the one more blessed at the end of my Meals on Wheels route.”

Wishing to keep his Dad’s spirit and memory alive Bob decided to donate all the proceeds generated by this image to Meals on Wheels in honor of his father. “Dad was extremely generous donating his time and money to charity and church,” says Bob. “I just want to keep it going.”

Enduring Comfort prints are available through the Sedona Community Center web site
http://www.accsedona.org or http://www.sedonavista.com The image makes a great gift. Do you know someone who could use some "Enduring Comfort?"

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Bob Coates Photography, based in Sedona, Arizona and available for location and travel assignments as well as studio productions, brochures and editorial. Certified Master Craftsman Photographer by Professional Photographers of America. Member AZPPA, NAPP