William Penn Life, 2019 (54. évfolyam, 2-5. szám)
2019-03-01 / 3. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham A loyal companion A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE lost her husband after a lengthy battle with cancer. She spent the last six years of their marriage taking care of him and keeping up with a busy schedule of doctor appointments and treatments. The role of caretaker was never a burden to her. It only became a serious problem after the loss of her husband of 47 years. The empty schedule was maddening. She was so used to being on top of everything, that being on top of nothing was somewhat painful. I invited her to lunch and stopped in for a visit whenever I could. Once, on a whim, I decided to take my dog with me to see her. I knocked on the door and there was no answer. That seemed peculiar because her car was in the driveway. I knocked again and nothing. I was headed back to my car when the door opened. I turned and there she was. I walked into her house. The lights were dim, and the quiet was upsetting. I gave her a hug and told her I thought she was out with a friend. Her voice was hesitant as she revealed she had just been sitting in her chair wondering what to do. We sat on the sofa, and my dog jumped into her lap, demanding she pet him. The more attention she paid to him, the more talkative she became. I suggested to her that she could have a dog of her own. She dismissed the idea swiftly. She felt owning a pet would be bothersome. I let the idea go. A few weeks went by, and I found myself in a pickle. I needed someone to watch my dog for an afternoon, and I came up with goose eggs. On a hunch, I called my friend, and, happily, she agreed to dog sit. As it turns out, the time she spent with my dog was very enjoyable for her, so much so that I was able to convince her to go to a shelter with me, just to explore. She fell for a little Yorkié named Susie. i They are inseparable. Susie gave my friend a reason to get up in the morning and start the day with a smile. They walk everywhere. Neighbors often stop and chat, mostly about Susie. The love of a pet has no boundaries. They are great healers and loyal companions, especially when life seems at its worst. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Photo © Can Stock Photo/ Miraswonderland Show your WPA pride! We have a shipment of our popular Lands’ End® brand, 100% cotton, short-sleeved polo shirts featuring an embroidered William Penn Association logo. These are the same comfortable shirts worn by volunteers at various WPA events. The men’s shirt features a two-button placket, and the women’s shirt features a four-button placket. Available in charcoal heather grey only, while supplies last. Name:______________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ City:_____________________State:________Zip:_________ Email:_______________________________________________ Size (Circle One): Mens S M L XL XXL Womens S M L XL XXL Make check payable to “William Penn Association.” Mail form & check to: Shirt Offer, William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 March 2019 0 3
