Although Norma, 88, has trouble seeing due to macular degeneration and walks with a cane, she stays active and involved in her community, Terrace at the Woodlands, in Woodlands, TX. She enjoys helping others with sports games through the Wii and assisting with exercise classes by setting up the balls and weights. Besides sports, Norma continuously helps in any way that she can – such as wheeling residents to and from programs, although she is not supposed to – because she is a true caregiver at heart.
Norma has always had a passion and talent for sports, as shown by her years of involvement in the Senior Games and her gold medals in Race Walking, Rifle Accuracy, Frisbee, Shuffle Board, and other ranks of medals. In her 50’s, she started to compete in the Senior Olympics with her husband to stay active and healthy and to bring them closer together. It worked! In the 80’s, they continued to participate in the Senior Games at the local, state, and national levels for 17 years in total. Over the years, Norma and her husband developed a special bond through their participation in the Senior Games.
A few years ago, Norma’s husband of 54 years passed away. She still has a fond memory of him and reminisces of the times they shared together. She often wears his Olympic jacket that has her and his medals on it. Her Wish of a Lifetime was to attend the Senior Games one last time, to bring back her life’s best memories.
On March 27th, 2014, Norma’s dream to attend the Senior Games one last time came true with the help of Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale. Norma was recognized at the Opening Ceremony of the Texas Senior Games for her many accomplishments and her long time participation in the Senior Games. She received a medal and was the first person to carry the torch to start off the Games, which made her feel like a star. Not only was she honored to be in the spotlight, but also her three daughters, who made the extraordinary experience even more memorable, accompanied her.
