Hi folks, I hope I'm not too late to join the conversation. My story is a little bit different in that I'm 62. I've always enjoyed either the company of others or my own company. I was much more sociable when I was younger, but still limited in many ways due to the illness. I loved playing softball in school but had to stop by the 7th grade as I would cough up blood every time I tried to run. So I would find other methods of enjoyment with others. I was able to work part time until I was 45 -- I was an assistant librarian and loved the interaction with people. When the doctor told me it was time for me to stop working because it was too much for me, getting sick too often and all, it was a great shock to go from my job to essentially nothing. Working through that life changing time was difficult. I remember being depressed, frustrated, and so on. But then I decided ok, this is a new chapter in my life. Starting over. So, what do I do now. I've always kind of wanted to write, and I realized I now had the perfect opportunity. Since then I've written 5 books and am working on my 6th. I also write articles for two community newsletters - one is for the Cape Cod COPD Support Group and the other for the DY Women's club which is a community organization that does fundraising for places like the shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. I guess what I'm trying to show is that just because our life seems to be forcing us to be "alone" it doesn't mean we can't interact in some new way. I go to the women's club meetings (held once a month Sept - May) when I am healthy enough. This winter I was on iv antibiotics then oral ones for most of the winter so I missed several months but stayed in touch with the gals through emails, letters and calls. I probably wouldn't have gone during the winter anyway as it was flu season. We do have to be careful. The gals all understand about my having CF and that it limits my involvement but they make me feel included just the same and I contribute in ways that I'm able. I would like to suggest the idea of seeing if there is a women's club in your area. I believe some of you "youngsters" might enjoy the company of older gals -- they are sure to be a good bunch as the clubs are so community oriented, they are all about helping others. It's a good feeling to be part of such an organization. You'll probably be the youngest one there and that'll be fun. If you want to email me to ask more about it, I'd be glad to give you my email address. There's a time to be quiet and alone, we definitely need that -- some weeks I won't go out of the house at all unless it's to the doctor -- but there's also a time to give of ourselves in whatever way we are able. It's a boost to ourselves, mind, body and soul. That's just based on my own experience but I've heard others talk about the lift it gives them. Don't know if any of that is of interest, but wanted to share one more way of dealing with the aloneness we all have to deal with by being different, by our limitations, and the special knowledge that we have -- every moment of life is precious. Thanks for letting me add my thoughts. D.
