Here’s why I started writing “52 Shades of Graying” in June 2022. Back then, I wrote:
“When I was nine, I was already walking like a 90-year-old man.
“I’ve had nearly eight decades to adjust to the fact that walking is always tentative for me due to my cerebral palsy. That’s always been my reality.
“But, what about the otherwise healthy guy who suddenly, at 75, has a stroke and finds he needs a walker to get around? How does he adjust to that new reality?
“I’m using my experience about how to come to terms with disability to help my fellow older adults adjust psychologically, emotionally and spiritually to vulnerability – through short stories.”
“And I’m surprised. Very few people are addressing this issue, the intersection of ageism and ableism.”
“But, since then, another surprise has popped up. In looking back at my discussion questions I’ve developed so far, I’ve found they are not only about ageism or ableism issues (which quite candidly can be rather boring). They are also about the lessons older adults have learned over the years and now want to pass on to their family and friends – insight about values as well as vulnerability our community members can share through simple stories about themselves.
“So, together, we‘re expanding into a little bit broader arena: ‘Story-based Prompts for Sharing our Insight.’”
* What current passion in your life best reflects who you are at this stage in your life?
Ladonna would have been a wonderful model for me in my working years.
I know exactly what she meant about doing what was seemingly required to "look the part." A business suit - preferably in black, grey, or brown. A blouse with a modified men's tie and heels (wouldn't you think we should have been able to wear flats or shoes more closely resembling men's shoes?) And a confident voice with appropriate action steps in meetings. That Ladonna managed all that with Cerebral Palsy indicates how intelligent she is with a phenomenal understanding of people and their needs. She must have been a wonderful role model for both men and women - I wish I would have had a chance to work with her.
My professional life in the 80s and 90s strongly encouraged women to be mini-men because women needed to fit/blend into a largely male business world. I wonder if today's professional woman continues to address similar situations.
I wish I would/could have allowed professional me more freedom to be - something that feels wonderful in retirement.
Here’s why I started writing “52 Shades of Graying” in June 2022. Back then, I wrote:
“When I was nine, I was already walking like a 90-year-old man.
“I’ve had nearly eight decades to adjust to the fact that walking is always tentative for me due to my cerebral palsy. That’s always been my reality.
“But, what about the otherwise healthy guy who suddenly, at 75, has a stroke and finds he needs a walker to get around? How does he adjust to that new reality?
“I’m using my experience about how to come to terms with disability to help my fellow older adults adjust psychologically, emotionally and spiritually to vulnerability – through short stories.”
“And I’m surprised. Very few people are addressing this issue, the intersection of ageism and ableism.”
“But, since then, another surprise has popped up. In looking back at my discussion questions I’ve developed so far, I’ve found they are not only about ageism or ableism issues (which quite candidly can be rather boring). They are also about the lessons older adults have learned over the years and now want to pass on to their family and friends – insight about values as well as vulnerability our community members can share through simple stories about themselves.
“So, together, we‘re expanding into a little bit broader arena: ‘Story-based Prompts for Sharing our Insight.’”
* What current passion in your life best reflects who you are at this stage in your life?
Ladonna would have been a wonderful model for me in my working years.
I know exactly what she meant about doing what was seemingly required to "look the part." A business suit - preferably in black, grey, or brown. A blouse with a modified men's tie and heels (wouldn't you think we should have been able to wear flats or shoes more closely resembling men's shoes?) And a confident voice with appropriate action steps in meetings. That Ladonna managed all that with Cerebral Palsy indicates how intelligent she is with a phenomenal understanding of people and their needs. She must have been a wonderful role model for both men and women - I wish I would have had a chance to work with her.
My professional life in the 80s and 90s strongly encouraged women to be mini-men because women needed to fit/blend into a largely male business world. I wonder if today's professional woman continues to address similar situations.
I wish I would/could have allowed professional me more freedom to be - something that feels wonderful in retirement.
Thanks, Brenda, for giving us your insight about this bundle of issues. And, yes, I wonder how younger people today are quietly handling them.