ElderChicks

I have been so inspired by the wonderful life stories that so many women are sharing.  This is truly a wonderful time to be a “New Senior Woman.”  I have never believed that I was a religious person, but I do believe that I am a spiritual person. I also believe that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” As a group the “New Senior Woman” has been given so much, and we are certainly following up on the “much is expected” by what we are accomplishing, not only for ourselves but for following generations of women.

Today I would like to share a story about my friend, Jean.  Jean was born in a small Midwestern town. She married right out of high school as so many of us from those areas did. When her children were in elementary school, she decided to go to college and teach in order to pay for their college education.  She was one of the first people to get a masters degree in computers and education.

She retired from teaching and spent 10 years after that with her second husband. When he passed away from cancer, Jean started looking for another career.  She found that career teaching conversational English to college professors in China. She has also taught in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Ecquador.

Two years ago I was vacationing in the Midwest and spent time with her. She was then celebrating her 73rd birthday. She was also in the process of selling her home in order to move to Boise, Idaho.  She was full of ideas relating to what she would do there. When I asked her why she was moving, her reply was, “I don’t want to get stale.”

In my mind that personifies the image of “The New Senior Woman.”