In "Verbonden verhalen” (‘Connected Stories’) nine illustrators tell the stories of residents of the Overvecht neighborhood in Utrecht. Some are elderly residents who have lived there for some sixty years, others newcomers who arrived as refugees. What are their stories? How do they shape their lives? The illustrators listened, observed, and let their imaginations run wild. This resulted in heartfelt graphic stories.

I visited Neeltje, an 82 year old original resident of Overvecht. Neeltje is actively involved in her community, her specialty is supporting other and cheering them up. She was born optimistic. She says she never complains, but does that mean she is happy?

(This story was also published in English on Drawing the Times)