Compassionately cares for others. 

Compassionately cares for others. 

Darlene C., age 72

This year I turned 72 years old, but I find it hard to actually say I’m 72 years old now. I’m not sure how I should feel at this age, but except for a few more aches and pains, I don’t feel older. And, thankfully, I don’t have any physical restrictions. The good news is so many people often say I do not look “that old”. I guess I don’t know this is old yet. Thankfully, since I don’t look my age, I have not had to deal with age discrimination issues. 

After being employed since I was 15, I was laid off from my current job and was forced into retirement. After having to cope with a much smaller budget for a while, I was able to collect Social Security and draw from my retirement funds. Also, we were in a severe auto accident that ended up being a blessing. The person who was at fault was largely insured, and we received enough from the settlement to be completely debt free. 

Thankfully, now that the COVID thing has passed, we are so glad and blessed to be a part of a church again. We do hope to become more involved in our new church and church family. I was blessed for years at our previous church to be able to work with my husband to lead a group to provide a complete meal every week for the needy. We called it the 3Ms—music, message, and a meal. We served about 30 people a week.

Through all my difficult times, I think I have learned to count my blessings and not get worried about how life is going but pray and trust God to handle all my difficulties and situations. It does mean learning to be patient.