The light had been feeling a little muted for Linda, a retired veteran of the medical field. She carried the deep imprints of life—the kind that etch themselves onto the soul. Hardships had accumulated like stones in a riverbed, and the simple act of smiling had become a forgotten muscle memory.

“It was time,” she whispered to herself when she signed up for the 50 over 50 photography experience. Time for a change. Time to find that elusive feeling of well-being again, to conjure a genuine smile from the depths of her spirit. Yet, at 74, stepping into the unknown brought an immediate, chilling whisper of fear: "What did I get myself into? How can I project happiness when tears are so close? Am I strong enough?" You see, the very week that Linda decided to schedule her photoshoot, she also received confirmation of a suspected diagnosis of Parkinson’s. She didn't know if her fears of being photographed at this time would come true, but she knew the only way out of the circle of sorrow was to face them.

“If you ever feel like you are going in circles…realize it’s a turning point.”

— Linda Butler

The true breakthrough came not with a bang— but with a quiet, joyful echo. Her favorite part of the entire experience was that simple, profound moment when she finally felt comfortable enough to really smile, to really laugh—the kind of laugh that sounds loud and clear, echoing joy. This photographic journey had taken her out of her comfort zone, but that was precisely the point: it was another reason to step forward. She described the transformation in three powerful phrases: overcoming a new experience, smile even though your heart is broken, and laugh loud enough to hear the echoes of joy.

Then came the reveal session. Sitting in the studio watching the monitor, she barely recognized the radiant woman staring back. "Who is this person? She's a strong woman of worth." The realization was a sudden, glorious burst of warmth to her heart and soul.

Linda's life has been a series of turning points, not just one. The first, pure and full of wonder, was holding her babies and realizing the profound responsibility of a new life. The others felt more seismic: the turning point when she held her husband as he passed away, and later, the crushing loss of her son. These were moments where growth wasn't an option, but a necessity, forcing her to pick herself up and turn bruises into badges of honor. Growth happens when you picked yourself up and confront the enemy.

“If you ever feel like you are going in circles…realize it’s a turning point,” she said.

Now, at 74, Linda is finally enjoying the carefree existence she once craved. She remember as a teenager not liking curfews, wanting her own place, and the desire to have her own money. “Well, I’ve now reached that goal,” she said with a glimmer in her eyes.

She finds humorous joy in the little things: senior citizen discounts, special parking, an afternoon nap, and the courtesy of being called “M'am." She values each moment and embraces the comfort of others. And she is shattering the myth that being alone must equal being lonely. After her devastating losses, she went back to school, studying horticulture at Purdue to become a Master Gardener. In her beloved "Seed Cottage"—her happy place—she teaches students how to collect and store seeds for future generations.

Linda remains positive and focused, choosing not to be lost in the noise of a fluid culture. She has promises to keep, and as the poet Robert Frost wrote, and as she lives every day:

“But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”

She runs toward those miles now, standing firmly in the light of her own hard-won colors.

What would you tell your 20 year old self: When you see the end of a rainbow in a field…don’t hesitate— run and stand in the colors, it’s amazing!!! When life is difficult, keep on moving. You are stronger than you realize. You can do this!! You always have the ability to choose to march forth.