What would compel an 83-year-old retired businessman to become a street artist, play for extra change and drop bills in the bucket?
It’s just three factors, according to Larry Kingsley: love, loss, and purpose.
The “Love” segment is for Kingsley’s wife of 23 years, Georgian Kingsley. Unfortunately, it is also the “loss”.
About three years ago, Georgian Kingsley was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“The doctor says, ‘You know, it’s going to be tough,'” Kingsley said. “And I said I knew, but I’m married to her so I’ll be with her.”
Kingsley decided to choose an unusual way to keep in touch with his wife: he drilled his trumpet and taught himself how to play the instrument again. He was in a high school marching band in the 1950s and played the instrument when he served in the Air Force in the 1960s, but decades later, he was a little rusty, until he scored some time in practice.
Finally, he felt confident enough to play with strangers on the street three times a week — with his wife at his side.
Steve Hartmann / On the Road
Kingsley said his wife didn’t always understand why he played, sometimes assuming he was trolling for money and yelling at him to get a real job.
While Kingsley was fundraising, it was not for his personal use: he was raising money to donate to Alzheimer’s research and help scientists work to find a cure for the disease that afflicted his wife. He said every dollar is donated.
But Georgian Kingsley passed away in August 2022.
“The day she died, I played that night,” Kingsley said. But in my head I was just saying ‘the show goes on.
Since his wife’s death, Kingsley has been even more determined to make a difference. He began playing six nights a week, and in total he has raised over $15,000.
Kingsley said he will continue to play until the disease is only a memory.
To get in touch with On the Road, or to submit a story idea, email us: OnTheRoad@cbsnews.com.
Steve Hartman
[ad_2]
