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! 55PlusLivingGuide.com 33