Doris Hale’s home sits only 50 yards from the railroad tracks on the edge of Selma. “I’ve been listening to that train since I was a little girl. I’d say to mama: I won’t go to bed until I hear the train.” On the first day of spring, she stood in the yard as volunteers repaired her home. It’s the only home she’s ever owned, and it’s the only place she wants to be. DORIS HALE: “Lord, have mercy, if I had a million, trillion, zillion dollars, and could be anyplace on this earth right now—I’d be right here today.” What’s the first thing she’s planning to do when she moves in? “I’m going to kneel down on the step and pray,” she said. “Then I’m going to fix a bacon cheeseburger, curly fries, and a double glass of cherry Kool-Aid.”
ASHA BELK: “I was immediately drawn to Ms. Doris. Her energy reached me before we were physically face to face. I could have listened to her talk for hours and I am honored to have left with pieces of her wisdom that will live with me forever. As she peered into her bedroom telling me her plans for the room, I captured the moment. It wasn’t until I reviewed the photo later that I noticed her sweater had a house on the back with the word “home” sewn on the sleeve. One of those photos that felt too good to be true and yet, perfection in my eyes.”
6
7
behind the hammer
behind the hammer
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator