Dorothy King, 78
Meet Dorothy King, 78 years young from Nova Scotia. Her wish has always been to see the Canadian Equestrian Team jumping at Spruce Meadows, a passion she’s nurtured since she was 13. This dream is deeply rooted in her memories with her mother, whom she began caring for at just 19 years old, after her mother fell ill. In that moment, she not only became responsible for her mother’s care but also stepped into the role of caregiver for her younger siblings and managed the household. Despite the demands of it all, when her mother would call out that the equestrian team was on TV, Dorothy would drop everything to sit together and share those moments of joy and admiration. They both always dreamed of seeing the team in person one day together. Her mother, who sadly passed away at the age of 71 when Dorothy was in her 40s, encouraged her to continue to pursue this dream.
Dorothy's desire to fulfill her dream intensified with the passing of her dear friend Blanche in recent years. Blanche had planned to celebrate her 100th birthday with a helicopter ride, a dream she wanted to share with Dorothy. Sadly, Blanche's health declined rapidly, and she passed away shortly before reaching this milestone. This loss was a stark reminder to Dorothy that she shouldn’t wait until she’s 100 to chase her own dreams, and to do what she can right now.
Dorothy’s life has revolved around caring for others — her mother, her siblings, her own children as a single mother, and later her father, who battled cancer. Always putting others first, she found little time or resources for herself. Now, at 78 and living on a fixed income, she felt financially and logistically unable to plan the trip she and her mother had dreamed about.
Yet, Dorothy has always believed in the power of community and the kindness of others, and she felt a special sense of hope upon learning about We Are Young.
Thanks to the help of Spruce Meadows, Dorothy’s dream came true when she flew to Calgary to witness the North American Tournament and got to meet the Canadian team. This opportunity to fulfill her wish symbolizes that nothing is impossible when we come together to help each other, showing that, with a little support, even the most unattainable dreams can become reality.
As Dorothy sat in the stands, tears of happiness filled her eyes...knowing that this moment not only reminded her of her mom, but that she finally fulfilled this wish for both of them.
Not only that, but she left the track with her heart still racing, in disbelief that a dream she once thought unattainable had finally come true.
By having her wish fulfilled, Dorothy has experienced a profound transformation. She has felt a reduction in loneliness and a significant boost in her mental health, realizing that she is not too old to pursue the things she loves.
Special Thanks – Spruce Meadows and the courtyard by Marriott (Calgary South location)
Photography – Small Town Photography
