Living Alone- First Time in Over Fifty Years
by Zenobia L Silas-Carson
(Minnesota)
I have lived alone for a whole year for the first time in over fifty years!
I have raised five children and three grandchildren, but all the while, I wondered what it would be like when the place I lived would go silent. No more birthday parties, rush to wake folks up in the morning...and I thought it would be something like an endless abyss and on the other end I would be no more.
Instead, I have found a surprising array of things to do. I have not entirely retired, but I work with seniors which is both rewarding and strained at times.
I am older than some and younger than some and in the middle of this, I often get lost and forget my own personality. I am active and outgoing, but sometimes I am met with the resistance of others to get out and "do" stuff.
I work in the office and as an events planner. I am sometimes met with stubbornness, the likes of which I have never seen. It is worth it, however, because I know that I am called to encourage and support those who are going through a bad time.
I still write short stories and poetry. I have a little rescue dog and most days I am "up".....I live in the same building that I work in, and other days, I am dissolved in tears for no reason. I am happy this does not last long.
My advice or suggestion to those who might be feeling lonely and afraid....don't be....just as when we were young, we are still "all in this together". Let's keep in touch and love on each other.
We are the greatest generation ever!
