Dorothy

For years, I have watched her. You may have seen her too. I drive past her on the way to drop off the kids at school in the morning. I drive past her on the way to go get groceries. I drive past her on the way to a coffee date with friends. I drive past her on the way to work.

This lady. She has been inspiring me for years and didn’t even know it. 

I didn’t know her name or where she lived. But still…I drove past her and she stayed in my thoughts for a while. numerous times a week.

This is Dorothy ❤️

She is 84 years old (but actually closer to 85 she says!). She bundles up every day and heads out for a walk. Lots of us get out there and go walking. But do you take along a used plastic bag and pick up garbage along the way?

She does ❤️

When I drive past her, this bag is always full of litter. I’ve seen her hike up off the path on Grove Drive and go completely out of her way, to pick up a piece of garbage that is stuck under a tree. I’ve seen her on warm days, rainy days, and cold days.

How many times a day do we step over garbage that we see? For years, I have been reminding myself, and our children, that it is a choice to step over it and pretend that you didn’t see it. It is a choice to bend down and pick it up. 

Every day, Dorothy chooses to do this for our City! How amazing is she!! Out there….staying healthy and reminding the thousands of commuters that pass her in their mundane driving routines to make that choice.

What are some of the craziest things you have found? Money, lots of money!! Animals. Shoes. Beer cans. Clothes. Hub caps. Wallets (which she returned to the owners).

We passed Dorothy a box of goodies from our shop as well as a date night gift card for a dinner and dessert out with her husband (to locally owned Porta Romana and Jacks Drive In).

Dorothy, thank you for unintentionally inspiring all of us, and for being such an amazing citizen of our city.

We all wish you many more beautiful walks (with less garbage) and a very Merry Christmas ❤️

~ Amanda & Trevor Wilhauk