All of Charles Evans’ (82-year-old) friends refer to him as LaLa. He thinks he can still remember his first sight of Louise, his future wife. With a chuckle, he says, “It was clearly love at first sight.” LaLa was devastated by Louise’s death, but he channeled his grief into erecting a memorial outside the yard where he and his wife had spent their wonderful 59 years together.
The shed’s walls are covered with hundreds, if not thousands, of images taken by LaLa and his family throughout the years, filling it with memories. “We even discussed creating a museum before she passed away in order to house all of these photographs,” LaLa admits. Even though I didn’t have the time, I insisted on doing it because the idea had stuck with me. “A few months after she died, I promised myself that I would make the dream we shared a reality.
“LaLa taught his wife to dance, and the pastime has characterized their relationship ever since. The two can be seen dancing on the beautiful museum’s walls. The snapshot taken during their final dance, which he displays in the foyer, is considered to be the man’s fondest memory as well. “Only now do I realize how much beauty there has been in our life,” she acknowledges.
“WOW, I LIVED!” I realized later. “I’ll dance with anyone who comes to our museum.” Here’s a film that takes you inside this museum that celebrates life, love, and beauty:
