55+ Living Guide Spring 2019 55 LG SPRING 2019 JOOM | Page 33
myself to Arizona. I was able to attend
to my mom with transportation to
doctor visits and companionship in my
free hours, as well as explore mountain
trails, visit historic sites and eat great
Mexican food.
I was hooked on travel nursing
and from Arizona had positions in
Hartford, CT, Burlington, VT (almost
2 years), Greenville, NC, New Haven
CT and Temple, TX. I learned a great
deal at each telemetry, step-down unit.
On these travel assignment I had at
least 3 months to get familiar with
the areas, as well. My husband had a
150 gallon salt water aquarium which
required almost daily attention and
stayed with me occasionally. He was
able to go with me to Temple, TX, and
we had the time of our lives. But by the
time I was 62 my body said it was time
to retire, or at least slow down.
I have difficulty with not receiving
a paycheck, so I took a per diem
(temporary) RN position with
the Vermont Veterans Home in
Bennington, VT, starting as floor
nurse, then house supervisor and also
substitute for unit managers. At my age
I am able to relate and converse with
the Vets with ease. My husband was a
Marine veteran of Vietnam, so giving
TLC to our veterans is a fulfilling use
of time for me. I have enjoyed working
with the staff and the vets as though
they were my second family. I have
been there 9 years.
During those 9 years I also served
on my town’s Selectboard, serving as
Chairperson for 2 years. During my
term we finalized the installation of a
town sidewalk to provide safe walking;
the town was given the “Scenic Byway”
designation and street lights were
changed to LED. Our population is
slightly over 800 souls, so not much
going on then.
But, in the last three winters my
husband and I have traveled with our
RV across the country. The first winter
(Nov to April) we traveled to Texas,
then back along the Gulf Coast to
Southern Florida, then up the eastern
seaboard: Flagler Beach, Myrtle Beach,
The Heart of Senior
Living in Saratoga
Williamsburg, VA. The second winter
(February to May) was a trip to Benson
and Casa Grande Arizona, to Denver
CO, making stops along the way at
various campgrounds. The third winter
(March to June) we travelled across
country to Show Low, AZ, to visit my
now retired sister; then to Denver to
visit our son John. We headed east,
stopping at Mammoth Cave, KY,
Campground for a few days to visit the
huge Mammoth Cave, on the way back.
This is what I have done since I
turned 55, which now at 72, seems
young! My husband became a Noble
with the Shriners, too, and we have
had a wonderful time at their events.
My husband recently passed away on
November 16. I continue to work two
days a week at VVH. I call it my grief
therapy and support, especially since
our 3 children are hours away, one
being in Denver.
The question is: Where do I go from
here? My spirit is willing and open to
almost anything, but my flesh might
be a little weak.
Noncredit Academic Courses
for Mature Learners
When it’s time to make a transition, we provide a carefree
lifestyle in a friendly community that offers independent
and assisted living apartments.
Register this summer
for fall classes that
start the week
of September 9th.
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | LONG TERM CARE
THERAPY AND REHABILITATION | HOME CARE
A non-profi t organization
131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518.587.3600 | thewesleycommunity.org
For your fall brochure,
go to www.esc.edu/ALL
or call
518-587-2100, ext. 2415
We’re saving you a seat!
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