Jones: Growing Old and Suffering Accidents (27 images)

David Jones once told me, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, and if you do, name it after me. Oh, and don't wrestle with trucks." The first sentence is just his unique way of saying goodbye. The second phrase, however, is a sarcastic jab at an experience that nearly ended his life. In May 2001, he was run over by a very intoxicated driver while cycling in Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Jones was sent flying through the air and, upon hitting the cement, slammed his head on the ground. His helmet...
more »

David Jones once told me, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do, and if you do, name it after me. Oh, and don't wrestle with trucks." The first sentence is just his unique way of saying goodbye. The second phrase, however, is a sarcastic jab at an experience that nearly ended his life. In May 2001, he was run over by a very intoxicated driver while cycling in Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Jones was sent flying through the air and, upon hitting the cement, slammed his head on the ground. His helmet cracked upon impact, but it saved his life.

Mr. Jones now lives in Cooperstown, New York with his wife Lynn and mother-in-law Wanda Richards. Though Mrs. Jones hasn't suffered an accident, she is growing old. She has diabetes, a serious heart problem, and continues to live in a house full of cats despite being allergic to them. Besides her responsibilities to her husband, who, because of the accident, still suffers a debilitating dizziness that keeps him in bed most of the time, Mrs. Jones must also look after her 87-year-old mother: Wanda Richards. Though Mrs. Richards also suffered an accident - in 1991 she fell and cracked her skull - she is not at all bed-ridden. Quite the opposite of Mr. Jones, Mrs. Richards can't seem to sit still for more than a moment. Her problem, however, is that her memory is deteriorating and she occasionally forgets to tell anyone that she is going for one of her treasured walks. The problem only gets worse when, after several hours, she forgets to turn around and walk back home.

In spite of all their difficulties, you will never hear Lynn or David Jones complain. They understand that fate, as well as life in its later years, can be unforgiving, but they maintain their sense of humor and love for live.
« less