Women's Connection

Years ago, I naively wandered into a Women's Connection book group, excited to meet with others to discuss life transitions (Should I move? Should I retire? And eventually, how will I get through the illness and death of my amazing life partner?) Since then, Women's Connection has rolled out before me like a brilliant quilt. I keep finding so many different treasures in each section of the quilt. 

Because of my connections – with generous, fierce, talented, hilarious (you know who you are) women who live with intention - my life is better. In Women's Connection I have role models, fellow fun-lovers, teachers, wise sisters, kindred spirits. Many of you are all of those things. I love you, Women's Connection.

 

Career

I retired in October 2018 from MRA Employers Association, a not-for-profit management and human resources consulting firm. I enjoyed 25 years there working with organizations on projects such as sexual harassment prevention and affirmative action planning. I tried to teach employers that it was about more than compliance; it’s about how to create a better work environment for their employees, and that made it fun for me. 

 

 

Motherhood

When I became a teenage mom, I was quite knowledgeable about babies because my parents did foster care. Overall, I feel good about raising my son. His personality was so outgoing and I was shy. I’m so proud of the man that he is. When he said he wanted to do magic, I thought, “what?” then I thought, “you do you.” And he has, and he’s happy.

 

 

Marriage

Dennis and I married four months after meeting and we were married 34 years! He was 11 years older than me and my son was 17 at the time. My marriage was very freeing for me. I could totally be myself within it. Dennis and I were a phenomenal partnership.

Dennis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018 at about the same time my mom broke her femur and transitioned to a rehabilitation center. She needed extra attention. I was retiring and I thought, “Good. I have the time. This is what I’m called to do.” A year after she died, in 2021, Dennis was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died on April 30 this year.

 

Grief

My grief doesn’t have a lot of regrets. Dennis died so generously - not proud or upset. I draw tremendous strength from who we were together. He died as he lived. Nothing was left unsaid. If it wasn’t vocalized, we still understood each other. I miss him physically. My grief is greatly eased by a sense that he’s with me and knows I’m OK.

 

 

What delights me? 

My blossoming grandsons, Edward and Benny. Currently I’m learning chess and piano from 12-year-old Edward. Benny and I connect over his fascination with WWI and his Lego scenarios. I have loved yoga for years because of the spiritual and physical benefits, and have begun to practice tai chi for the same reason.