Nancy, Bill, and Cosmo: To the End.
Embedded Files
DeJonte July
Team Cobb
Nancy Sutton, 55, and Bill Sutton, 58, have lived in the Maryville Extended Stay for the past year with their beloved 10-year-old dog, Cosmo. They have been married for 31 years, through homelessness, debt, ailing health, addiction and tragedy. They get by the only way they know how, day by day.
Bill worked various odd jobs throughout his life, but because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and restless leg syndrome, he has not worked in over five years. Nancy worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for 25 years before osteoporosis and degenerative joint disease made it impossible for her to continue. Four years ago, they lived in a home in Tarkio, Mo., with their children, Naomi, 33, Brent, 30, and Willie, 27. Then, with only three payments left to make on their home, the owner sold it out from under them, and they were evicted. For the next three years, Nancy and Bill lived in a camper trailer until the furnace died. At Maryville Extended Stay, they found the only room they could afford. The couple receives $1513 a month from their combined disability benefits — their room rent alone is $900 a month.
On a typical day, Nancy rests in her reclining chair in their motel room playing mobile games to earn points that help cover their phone bill. Bill sits at the picnic table outside the motel or in their red 2008 Ford Edge in between Cosmo's multiple walks.
From the beginning of the couple’s relationship, their parents never wanted them to marry; now, 31 years later, they refuse to be torn apart.
Bill walks his dog, Cosmo, in front of the Maryville Extended Stay in Maryville, Mo. Bill and Nancy have lived here for a year after losing their home in Tarkio, Mo., four years ago.
Nancy and Bill sit in their 2008 Ford Edge talking on the phone with Bill's niece, who tries to call them every day.
Nancy sits on the bench in front of the motel. Her life has been hard for as long as she can remember, but she finds her peace with Cosmo and Bill.
Bill checks the hallway as he walks out of their room in the Maryville Extended Stay. This has become instinctual for him as he says the motel cycles through some guests that have concerned him.
Nancy and Bill’s faces reveal their worry after discussing their remaining budget for this month.
Nancy checks the balance of virtual coins on her phone. A program through the phone provider allows them to play mobile games to help pay their bill.
Bill eats an early supper delivered by a local church as Cosmo looks for a bite and Nancy watches from her recliner chair. Personal space is a luxury in the 250-square-foot room where the three live.
Bill pats Cosmo on the head while Nancy sits across from them on her recliner, resting her legs. Cosmo was rescued and trained by their youngest son, Willie, 27, and has not left the couple's side.
Bill gets ready to take Cosmo out for a midnight walk while Nancy prepares a late-night bowl of milk for Cosmo.
A small dreamcatcher, a family heirloom from Nancy’s grandmother, sits above Nancy’s nightstand. Her grandmother raised Nancy until she passed away when Nancy was 12.
Just before bedtime, Bill chats with Nancy on her recliner across the room while Cosmo chews a toy at the foot of the bed.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse