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GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake
Adversity Inspires San Clemente Woman to Write a Book
T
he underlying message in my previous article—opportunity often arises from adversity—struck a chord with several readers. A San Clemente resident named Karen, who has had heavy adversity in her life, emailed a response that inspired me. She wrote, “Your last article focusing on opportunity and adversity had an impact on me. I fit your over-50 profile.” Karen married her college sweetheart the summer after they graduated in 1976. They had two ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 sons. She loved being a By Tom Blake homemaker. She said, “My husband Mike climbed the corporate ladder. Our lifestyle got bigger and better. Then Mike was diagnosed with cancer at age 39 and was given three to four years to live. That was unacceptable to us. We’d heard about bone marrow transplantation and decided to go for it. So we swapped the death sentence for a life sentence. “Mike’s goal was to help his young sons grow to manhood. He lived for 18 years after the transplant. He lost the career, so we swapped roles and I became the bread winner. Forget about feminism and the women’s movement; it was time for me to change gears and pay some bills. “At age 56, I was widowed. I had two amazing sons, a promising career, good health and a tremendous desire to live my life to its fullest. I took care of myself, attended support groups, and eventually found myself leading them. “After a few years, I had revved up the career, joined Match.com, gained two beautiful daughters-in-law, changed careers, joined networking groups, sold the house and moved to the beach. I had two
astounding grandbabies, traveled, dated some wonderful men, retired and got active in Toastmasters and Rotary. I worked my body and mind four to five times per week, gave motivational speeches, joined Meetup.com and cherished some unbelievable friends.” Karen said her friends often told her she should write a book. But she balked— she felt people wouldn’t want to read about her sad story, even though she had overcome adversity. “And then,” Karen said, “my older son, Donovan, died of cancer last summer at age 37. Adversity? I got it. Sometimes, I think I’m way overqualified in the adversity department. “Your article, ‘In Life, Opportunity Often Arises from Adversity,’ made me think maybe I should write a book—not only for myself, but for others. I believe I have the passion and the ability to write. I was sitting in sunlight when I started this message. Now I’m in the dark. “I could use some advice. Have you ever thought about mentoring someone?” I responded to Karen: “Yes, you are ‘overqualified’ in the adversity department. My heart goes out to you, and your courage with what you have been through. “Sometimes we don’t see the opportunity that arises until time has passed, and that is what is happening with you. It likely is time for you to write your book. “You have walked the walk, losing both your husband and son. You are an expert on this topic. Writing can be cathartic and helpful to you and to others who have faced adversity or are doing so now. Plus, you are energetic and have a creative way with words. “As far as mentoring you in writing, yes, I can help get you started in the right direction.”
Pet of the Week: Bailey
F
ive-month-old Bailey has a real zest for life! Whether he’s playing with the other cats or exploring the cat room on his harness, he puts his all into it! Bailey is a spirited and playful kitty who would do best in a home with other kitties who can keep up with him. If you would like to know more about Bailey, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP
Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2016
Bailey. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter.
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Karen said she will start writing; she already has a working title for a book. She explained how that came about: “Last summer I was sitting in the street at a small-town parade with my 2-year-old grandson sitting in my lap. He was so darned excited to see another vehicle with flashing lights. Out of his beautiful mouth: ‘Nana, look at what’s coming!’ Yep, that’s the title: Look at What’s Coming.” We look forward to Karen sharing her book with the world.
Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter60.com; www.Vicsta.com and www. Travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SCTimes provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SCTimes or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com
Sudoku
BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
On Sunday, July 24 The Trisha Freeman Band and the Peace{ I N DANA P O I NT } ful Easy Eagles Tribute band performed at Sea Terrace Park. The city’s summer concerts run every Sunday through August 14 at Sea Terrace Park and Heritage Park. Two bands perform at every concert, with the first performance at 2:30 p.m.
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Photo: Courtesy of City of Dana Point Recreation