Though Dillon’s wife, Doris, passed away after more than 50 years of marriage, her death didn’t diminish the relationship they’d shared. Instead, it enabled a second act to be added to their story, one that proved that love doesn’t have to die, but sometimes just requires a slightly altered ending.
82-year old Dillon Everette lost his wife to pancreatic cancer in April 2029. Following her death, Dillon remained in his home, but his three children thought that he should move to a retirement community, and perhaps even cease to drive due to a few mishaps of his that disturbed them. They loved their father, but Dillon, who still conversed with his deceased wife, strove to maintain his independence.
The children’s infringement on his life provoked Dillon to escape from his home and them by planning a trip south in his 1953 MG TD, which he’d rebuilt himself nearly 35 years ago. Assisted by his financial advisor, he made sure that his house, property and finances were in order, and decided to retrace some of the trips taken during his earlier life with his wife and young family by heading south in the MG on his deceased wife’s birthday, November 13th.
He had no destination planned except to get to a warm climate before the weather turned too cold for a car that had no heater and only minimal safety features.
After a few days on the road, during which he sent postcards of paintings he had done at the harbor at Annapolis, and a B&B in Sperryville, Virginia, Dillon arrived in Waynesboro, a small city south of Staunton, Virginia, where he became involved in an incident from which he emerged a hero and acclaimed for his bravery on national news.
His children read and heard about their father’s adventure, and thought he had lost his mind and, but Dillon was approached by a documentary film producer to possibly record the story of his life and his accomplishments.
Waynesboro celebrated his actions, and he was no longer viewed at as man of older years, but as a revered, honored and courageous citizen.
The Little Green Car is about aging, the desire for independence, and the possibilities of a life that extends past the age of what many would call “elderly.” It’s about how we see ourselves as we get older as well as how others see us. It’s also about the ways we can look ahead. plans for the future, while understanding the inevitabilities and the limitations of our lives moving forward.
Most of all, it’s about love, respect and the ways we can continue to remain relevant, even as we near the hind end of our existence.
