Golden-Aged Pioneer
When it was suggested that I contribute something to Pietisten, I asked my son what could I write about at my retirement, leisure-filled age? He answered, “Write about something you know or have experienced.”
And so I write.
My life has been lived somewhat in the spirit of a modern pioneer in reverse. I was born in a large midwestern city. My mother did not cook on a wood stove. She had a washing machine, but still boiled her sheets with the help of Fels Naptha soap to whiten them. Her laundry was flopping in the breeze every Monday morning before I left for school. Dinner (supper then) was at 6:30 p.m., never sooner, never later. That was the hour when my father, after riding the “L,” returned home from work. I had a secure, steady, loving, conventional childhood.
I married, moved west, buried two babies and a husband after 25 years of marriage, raised two boys and a girl, finished college, taught school, remarried, and retired. Eventually I moved to a small town — my first experience at living outside a large city. Very much unlike the early pioneers, however, I now live in a stress-free facility with a country-club atmosphere (as described by my granddaughters).
Living at Covenant Village is not so much an adjustment as it is an attitude. Life is simple — no cleaning, just dusting; no wondering what to serve for dinner; gardening just for fun; no driving unless preferred; bus service for most needs.
Consequently, there is much free time for any chosen activity. We can walk down to the famous local bakery for morning coffee or to McDonald’s for a free cup, to the bank where we are treated royally, to medical offices, or to the hospital across the street. Beware though — a ride to the hospital via an ambulance will cost $650.
In addition to walking (it is a mile around the hospital), we can swim, do calisthenics, or relax in our unit’s whirlpool. Hobbies can be pursued. My family has been swamped with Grandma’s ceramics. My husband, legally blind, spends most of his time in the woodshop. A good library, chapel services, choir — all meet various needs. There are also numerous opportunities for volunteer services.
No matter our age, food is an important part of daily living. Often too much so. The typical resident here gains weight despite our nutritiously planned menus. The lack of will power seems to be universal. But meals are also fun. We have stimulating conversation and fellowship around the tables because we come from many varied backgrounds and have much to share. There is plenty of humor. In our common problems of aging, we try to laugh with our friends and not at them.
The greatest asset is, of course, that it is a caring community. People are genuinely concerned about each other. We all rejoice when someone has been “resurrected.” In my brief stay here, I have witnessed many who have been in intensive care at the hospital return and resume their normal living. One hardy lady approaching 80 had triple by-pass heart surgery and a few weeks later was playing 18 holes of golf at the country club.
And so, I am enjoying my “Golden Years” with friends, relaxing in the assurance of being cared for, and thanking God daily for his everpresent love and mercy.