AGE: 71

PROFESSION: Registered Nurse for over 40 years/Business Owner

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What is the best thing about being your age?

I’m not as fussy about everything having to be perfect all the time, including myself….anymore. I can relax more around people without feeling so judged. I really like people and enjoy old friends and new ones!

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What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?
Two divorces. I got married very young, age 18, and it was a poor choice. I wanted to get out of the house and I had no direction for my future. It was a destructive relationship so I left him and then I had to figure out how to take care of my two young children. So, worked full time waitressing and bartending and went to school full time for 5 years until I was a licensed RN by age 30. Even after that I worked 2 or 3 jobs at a time to make ends meet. I remarried a nice man, had another child, and supported him through law school. He just wasn’t “the one.”

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I have been with my current husband, Roger, for over 30 years and we are still crazy about each other. Blending our family of 5 children and 13 grandchildren was challenging in the beginning, however, with love and time we were successful and we feel blessed every day!

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What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?

Probably our trip to Africa in 2013 as well as our trip to the Galapagos in 1999. These are two places I had to visit. I love animals and I love nature so to be immersed in these amazing places as an observer was really spectacular!

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​What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being with my children and grandchildren! Of course with my darling Roger at my side!

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​What is your most treasured possession?

Hmmmm. This is tough because I love beautiful things like carved wood furniture and lush fabrics and art and sculpture and sparkling jewelry…You get the picture. However, my favorite possession is my husband Roger. I know he’s a person not a thing but he’s all mine forever and ever!

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​What advice would you give your younger self?

Trust yourself more. Defend yourself. Stand up for yourself! Women get pushed around a lot, mostly by men. I was easily intimidated. I didn’t know I was smart. So, Keep reading, keep learning. There is nothing you cannot accomplish!

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What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Well, With the support of my physician husband I opened an aesthetic medical practice 17 years ago. I’m very proud of the work I do and my reputation speaks for itself. I honor my patients and pride myself in providing subtle improvements to increase their confidence.

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If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’ve had a lot of health challenges but gratefully I’m still here! Aging forces you to slow down a bit because my skeleton and joints dont want to behave. Too much hopping about in sports and running has taken its toll. So a stronger skeleton would be nice. I’ve forgiven myself for not continuing to have a flat stomach or perfect thighs.

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What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel! We like to go in style and stay in lovely hotels and fine dine. Having an English speaking driver and guide pick you up in a foreign country is not only an extravagance but it just feels safe!

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What is a trait you are most proud of?

An artist's eye! I love contours and shapes and color and shadows. I see beauty everywhere!

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What is your motto or favorite quote?

The early years, when starting my business, I would get anxious and fearful that I would fail (I have to be honest when I say I was also afraid of success. What if I was so successful I could never stop working?). My mother would say “of course it’s hard. If it was easy everyone would be doing it!”

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Words of wisdom to younger women

They need a friendly and positive mantra that can cheer them on and clear out the bad voices. I used to listen to the bad voice in my head that said I couldn’t do this or that or I wasn’t smart enough or not pretty enough. Find the words that delivers the positive message to repeat in your head. Yes, I can do this! Yes, I am smart enough to do this. I am a wonderful person! I am loved!

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Additional thoughts on aging...

It’s a tough go but I have embraced it. I have shortened my work hours so I can be rested and more productive when I’m there. I enjoy every moment I’m alive. My husband, Roger, is a retired Oncologist. I also worked as an oncology nurse early in my career for many years so I was exposed to end of life situations on a daily basis. I learned so much from my patients! They would do whatever they could to live one more day. I carry that with me. I’m so blessed to still be here at age 71. Roger and I talk about life and end of life almost every day. We try to squeeze as much living into each day as we can because we know it’s limited. We are, I am, thankful!

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