The Day Dorothy Walked Into Our Circle

We were checking in at the campground desk, friends connecting with hugs and glee after months of absence; that’s how we “sisters” roll. While we waited, we were chatting up a storm about where we’ve been and the excitement to come. An older woman stepped behind us. We smiled, greeted her, and wondered: Is she a Sister? At every event, there are new faces, and she looked a bit puzzled. Cathy jumped right in and explained SOTF with her usual enthusiasm. Her name was Dorothy. She was traveling solo with her dog, so we invited her to join us for a meal and shared the hostess’s site number.

You couldn’t miss us at potluck — twenty-plus gals circled around good food, stories, and a glowing campfire. Dorothy didn’t promise she’d come, so we settled into five days of fun and companionship with no expectations.

After a perfect day of kayaking, we were gathered for dinner and marshmallows when Dorothy quietly walked into our circle with her pup. She said she had met a few of us earlier and wanted to see what Sisters on the Fly was all about.

She shared that she and her husband of 60 years had planned this MS-to-FL trip together before he passed away. She decided to make the journey anyway, to honor him. Her voice caught a bit as she spoke, and several of us understood — we have widows in our group too.

We offered food. A camp chair appeared, as they always do. Dorothy insisted she didn’t want to impose, but we convinced her to stay — and she did.

The next morning was a riverboat ride. We invited her along, but she was determined to try paddleboarding. We hoped we’d see her again.

Just like that, something shifted — for her and for us. Dorothy experienced the safety, companionship, and joy of a group 7,000 strong across the country. A moment of feeling less alone. A reminder that life after loss can hold unexpected beginnings.

Dorothy is 82. Traveling the country with her little dog. Hauling a trailer. Courageous. Determined. Inspiring. She reminded every one of us what it looks like to keep living fully and honoring the dreams of those we love.

Her story is a beautiful reminder to smile at a stranger. Say hello. Offer a camp chair. Share kindness. This world needs it.

Update: Dorothy ended up joining us for campfire almost every night. Many of us ran into her while walking dogs or riding bikes. By the end of our stay, we’d shared countless moments — including one visit that caused an overcooked breakfast (oops!).

She told us we made her time at Rainbow Springs special. I hugged her and said, “Ditto.”

A heartfelt thank-you to Dorothy — a brave, beautiful soul — and to our hostess Sally Campbell and the 20+ Sisters who made Rainbow Springs, FL, unforgettable.

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Article Submitted by Washington Sister, Lisa Greene, #18631