ElderChicks

I am in the slow process of reinventing myself, having lost my husband last year, and I feel so all alone, notwithstanding the strong bond of love that ties my wonderful family together (4 sons and 1 daughter, all married with children). My 4 sons live in distant states. I live in 2 houses–one, where I lived for 62 years, where my husband and I raised our children, and the other the home of my precious daughter and her family. She and her husband are unbelievably attentive and caring, always looking to add sunshine to my day. Their nights are simply very busy. They both work, the 2 children go to school – all making for long hours to fill.

Stepping into the unfamiliar world of being single made me painfully aware of how big a role my husband played in planning the fun times of our lives before he became ill. We lived in an area where 2 universities and 1 college offered lectures and theatrical productions to the public. We also had subscriptions to the Metropolitan Opera, went to NYC plays, and hosted a weekly “soiree” as I jokingly called it with friends.

Until 2 years ago, I performed original uplifting programs for children in elementary schools, was active in 2 “do good” organizations (and still am: one meets once a week, the other once a month). I don’t seem to have the drive to update the flyers that have to be sent to the schools re the programs. I know that keeping busy is important and I am grateful for the ways that people are trying to help.

Currently, I am hoping to publish a book I wrote that recounts sensitive experiences I have had over the years in dealing with severely challenged children, experiences that give the reader “food for thought.” You’d think I had to climb a mountain the way I put off doing things to get it going!

Is there anyone out there who has an interest in starting a group of active, like-minded elders who would join together for fun times in the city or around Long Island–shows, musicals, museums, walks, discussions, or just plain sitting around talking, etc.?

I always end my letters “Love”- Don’t get the wrong idea–I’m talking about love in the universal sense!

Love, Gloria