Clad from head to toe in University of Tennessee orange, Peggy Lewis agonizingly waited for help as she gazed down at a flat tire.
Never one to miss a home UT football game, she fretted in an out-of-the-way church parking lot in Alexandria, TN. Sixty-five years old at the time with her 8- year-old young grandson in tow, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Hoisting the car up on a jack, she attempted to place the spare into place when the massive car suddenly came crashing down upon her hand.
Amidst the screams of her young grandson, she excruciatingly realized that the tip of her finger was severely crushed and barely hanging on.
Unfortunately, this did derail her plans as an ambulance ride back to Nashville was necessary. Additionally, grim news ensued as doctors revealed that amputation of the finger was necessary. Her reaction?
“Do you have a TV? I can’t miss the game!”
Quickly followed by,
“Please make the finger area smooth so I can easily fit back into my softball glove!”.
The doctor looked at Peggy’s son declaring, “your mom is a bit crazy!”, with her son laughingly replying, “we have known that for a long time”.
I regale you with this story to paint the picture of a truly amazing, energetic spitfire of a woman who exemplifies the saying, “never stop moving”. A poster child for active aging, she credits her active lifestyle as pivotal in maintaining her health and vigor.
Peggy, who will turn 85 in May, has simply never slowed down.
Another quick story to showcase her personality revolves around her wedding to her second husband Bo, who sadly passed away three years ago. True love surely rose in this tale, as Peggy fell in love with a rival Vanderbilt staff member and fan.
At their afternoon wedding amidst gorgeous autumn foliage (scheduled on an away game of course), Vol’s fans were escorted to one side and Vandy to the other.
“So instead of bride and groom, it was UT and Vandy.”
Sports
As you can surmise, sports have played a key role in Peggy’s life.
Growing up in the pre-Title IX era, school sports for Peggy and other girls were in short supply. However, she and the neighborhood boys and a few girls would mow a nearby vacant yard to play softball. “I have always been on the go, ever since being a kid!”.
Today, she still plays softball whenever possible (teams in the 80+ division are hard to come by), and tennis has been a constant love.
I remember wildly cheering her softball team on during the 1997 National Senior Games in Tucson, as they clinched a gold medal. At that time, team members were all 55-years-old or younger, competing in the 55-59 division. She credits the Senior Olympics for expanding opportunities for sports for women, as well as travel opportunities to tournaments.
As far as tennis, many years are under her belt with leagues, tournaments, team competitions, recreational play, and more. Currently, she plays three times a week, and is known in her retirement community as “that Peggy who plays tennis!”. Simply amazed by her energy, she is a role model to all.
Speaking of role models, she was chosen in 2012 to take part in a professional commercial filmed for the TN Senior Olympics. “To this day, people still talk about it”. Click here to watch, noting Peggy in the tennis spot at the very end.
This consistent playing over a lifetime has been a source of joy, shared friendships, and a love for sports. Not to mention the health benefits accrued.
Lifestyle and Advice
As a buyer for the department store Caster-Knott, Peggy’s younger years were filled with long hours of work, including many trips to New York City. Happily retiring at 62, she cherished entering a newfound lifestyle where, “I literally got to play every day and never looked back”.
Presently, a typical schedule for the almost 85-year-old includes rising at 6 am and walking at least 10,000 steps, something she achieves 6 days a week. As mentioned before, tennis is added to the mix three days weekly.
Remarkable health has ensued. Medications total one and the only hospital stays for this spunky gal include the joyous birth of her son as well as the unfortunate finger accident.
What advice would she impart to others? It’s simple but profound:
- Keep moving. Stay busy.
“You have to stay busy! Along with my sports, I have season Vols and Titans tickets and make many trips to see the Memphis Grizzlies with my family.”
- Practice self-care. Eat well.
“You must take care of yourself! I love veggies and could live on them”. - Sleep is vital.
“I am in bed by 9 pm and rise at 6 am”
- Faith is a monumental part of her well-being journey.
She is active at her church, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is currently on a pastor search committee.
“When I was in the hospital about to have my finger amputated, a doctor told me he had never seen anyone like me, as I was handling it so calmly and with peace. I knew that God would use this and once I got out of surgery, I told him I would tell him more!”.
As we finished our conversation, I expressed to my friend of many years that, “I truly want to be like you when I grow up”! Role models like Peggy give us all hope and inspiration as we age.
Here are a few links to softball, tennis, as well as Senior Games/Olympics sites.
Join us!
https://www.seniorsoftball.org/
Never Stop Playing!
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2 Responses
Peggy, I admire you so very much, please keep on keeping on. I too am a 78 year old who played basketball and still playing pickleball. I’m not doing anything in the senior Olympics but may get back when I turn eighty. . I stay active with pickle ball and working out at my local YMCA.
Ruby- you are so amazing too! Wonderful about pickleball and the Y. I will make sure Peggy sees your comment 🙂