Healing wheels put pensioner on road to recovery

'Feel free'

Every day Jaeb searches for new skate spots around Bangkok－a traffic-clogged metropolis with limited terrain for board sports.

On a closed section between two freeways, she and her son stretch before strapping on safety gear.

She tucks into a half-crouch on her board, rendering her body more streamlined to whizz faster downhill.

"When I'm cruising, I feel free," she says, as she showed off a tattoo on her forearm that roughly translates as "Longboard lover". "It feels like I am leaving everything behind, all the troubles and the conflicts in life."

At first, many other skateboarders, and even her friends, tried to discourage her from pursuing the sport but she continued until she won acceptance. Only her family was supportive.

Soteera says watching his mother battle cancer made him realize how strong she is. "I'm worried about her because she's old, but being too worried until she cannot do anything is not a good way to care for someone," he adds. "She has to live her life."

Today, Jeab appears to follow the philosophy tattooed on her calf: "Don't wait to be cool."

Rocking trendy owlish frames, she hikes up the highway for another spin downhill. At tournaments, she does not focus on breaking speed records－the goal is peace of mind.

"I skate for my happiness," Jeab said. That's all and that's enough."